Nigeria’s leading political parties shared victories in Saturday’s by-elections, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) consolidating its stronghold across several states, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) tightening its grip on Anambra, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) securing notable wins.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), however, declared the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency election in Zamfara State inconclusive, citing cancellations that affected the outcome.
Zamfara: Contest put on hold
INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University Gusau, said the Zamfara election could not be concluded after results from polling units in Sakajiki and Kambarawa wards were cancelled.
APC polled 7,001 votes against PDP’s 5,339—a margin of 1,662. However, with 3,265 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected in the affected polling units, Sa’adu explained that the margin of lead was smaller than the cancelled votes, making it impossible to declare a winner.
Citing Sections 24, 47, and 51 of the Electoral Act 2022, he announced that a supplementary election would be conducted in the five affected polling units on a date to be fixed by INEC.
Jigawa: APC wins big
In Jigawa State, APC’s Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki emerged winner of the Babura/Garki federal constituency by-election with 38,449 votes. His PDP challenger, Isa Auwalu, polled 13,519, while the NNPP managed 2,931.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Salihu Ibrahim, described the poll as “peaceful and transparent,” commending security agencies for ensuring order. The election was held to fill the National Assembly seat left vacant by the death of the constituency’s former representative.
Anambra: APGA shows strength
In Anambra, APGA claimed two key victories. Ifeoma Azikiwe secured the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency with 7,774 votes, replacing Justice Azuka, who was kidnapped and killed. She defeated ADC’s Justina Azuka (1,909), APC’s candidate (1,371), and YPP’s (655).
For the Anambra South Senatorial District, Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA polled 90,408 votes, far ahead of APC’s Chief Azuka Okwuosa (19,847) and ADC’s Donald Amangbo (2,889). The seat was declared vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
Both elections, however, were dogged by allegations of widespread vote-buying, with some voters claiming they were offered N10,000 by APGA agents.
APC consolidates elsewhere
The APC extended its dominance in Edo, Ogun, Kogi, and Adamawa. In Edo Central, Joseph Ikpea scored 105,129 votes against PDP’s Joe Okojie (15,146). In Ovia Federal Constituency, Omosede Igbinedion won with 77,053 votes to PDP’s Johnny Aikpitanyi’s 3,838.
In Ogun’s Remo Federal Constituency, APC’s Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji retained the seat with 41,237 votes against PDP’s Bola Oluwole (14,324). In Kogi’s Okura State Constituency, Hassan Shado of APC defeated PDP with 55,073 to 1,038 votes.
Adamawa’s Ganye State Constituency was closely fought, but APC’s Misa Musa edged PDP’s Buba Muhammad Joda by 16,923 votes to 16,794.
PDP, NNPP push back
The PDP regained ground in Oyo State, reclaiming Ibadan North Federal Constituency for the first time since 2011. Folajinmi Oyekunle won with 18,404 votes against APC’s 8,312.
In Kano, the NNPP maintained its stronghold as Ali Alhassan, popularly known as Dr. Ali Kiyawa, captured the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency with 16,198 votes. APC’s Ahmad Kadamu trailed with 5,347. The ruling party, however, struck back in Ghari/Tsanyawa, where Garba Gwarmai defeated NNPP’s Yusuf Maigado by 31,472 votes to 27,931.
Irregularities and violence
The credibility of the by-elections was dented by allegations of vote-buying and violence. In Ogun, police intercepted a vehicle in Iperu Remo carrying N2.5 million allegedly meant for bribing voters. Two INEC officials and a driver were arrested after reportedly confessing they received the money from a man nicknamed “Political Solution.”
Armed men allegedly stormed PDP chieftain Ladi Adebutu’s polling unit in Remo, firing shots and seizing ballot boxes. The attack forced voters to flee.
While INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Saseyi Feyijimi, hailed the overall exercise as “peaceful,” incidents of ballot snatching, bribery, and intimidation highlighted persistent flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system.
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