Despite pervasive public discontent due to economic hardship and rising insecurity, this weekend’s by-elections across 12 states delivered a resounding victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which secured 12 out of 16 seats.
The results exposed the continued unraveling of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the precarious state of other opposition parties.
Organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the by-elections spanned various senatorial and legislative constituencies.
Meanwhile, internal disarray in the Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) ranging from disputes over leadership to complaints of voter intimidation and fraud, marked them as particularly fragile.
President Bola Tinubu commended the electoral process as largely smooth and free of violent incidents, stating the outcome reflected the people’s true will.
He hailed the results as a “good omen” for the APC under its new national leader, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, reaffirming his “Renewed Hope” agenda.
PDP’s Lone Win:
The party clinched only one seat in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, where Governor Seyi Makinde holds regional influence despite broader national weakness.
APGA’s Resurgence:
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) made notable gains in Anambra, capturing two seats, Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency.
NNPP’s Mixed Fate:
In Kano, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) held on to Bagwai/Shanono, though it lost Ghari/Tsanyawa to the APC.
In Zamfara, results were deemed inconclusive due to narrow margins and cancelled votes.
Meanwhile, Enugu South Urban faced its fourth failed electoral attempt, undermining confidence in INEC.
The APC’s dominance across both northern and southern regions, from Jigawa to Ogun and Edo to Adamawa shows strategic advantage over a divided opposition.
For President Tinubu, these wins fortify legislative power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For the PDP, these results are a wake-up call. Its shrinking presence outside core areas makes internal cohesion and grassroots rebuilding ahead of 2027 urgent.
APGA’s performance positions it as a potent coalition partner or independent challenger moving forward.
