At Bye-Elections, APC Consolidates Dominance of Nation’s Politics

…ADC Stumbles … NNPP, APC Clash in Kano
…Excited Tinubu Promises Better, More Secure Nigeria

By Jeremy Fregene

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated winners of Saturday’s by-elections across 16 constituencies in 12 states, praising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a largely peaceful, hitch-free exercise.

In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga yesterday, Tinubu lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its sweeping victory, securing 12 of the contested seats, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) secured one. He also congratulated the APC’s new National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, describing the outcome as “an emphatic first victory under his leadership.”

“Chairman Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” Tinubu said. He assured party faithful and Nigerians that the Renewed Hope agenda remains on course, promising “a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria, by the Grace of God.”

The APC’s dominance in the polls reinforced its stronghold on Nigeria’s political space, sweeping 12 of the 16 seats declared by INEC across nine states. While the PDP managed to hold on to a seat in Oyo and maintain a credible showing in several contests, APGA consolidated its grip on Anambra under Governor Charles Soludo. NNPP also picked a seat in Kano.

But the African Democratic Congress (ADC), touted as a coalition platform for opposition figures ahead of 2027, suffered a crushing setback, failing to secure a single win despite heavy backing from political heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-ministers and former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai. The defeat has cast doubts on ADC’s viability as a credible challenger to APC dominance.

Saturday’s polls, which drew 637 candidates from 17 parties across 68 vacant state and federal constituencies, were regarded as a litmus test for ADC’s strength. Its interim National Chairman, David Mark, had urged Nigerians to embrace the party as a “child of necessity,” while El-Rufai openly campaigned for its Chikun/Kajuru candidate, Alex Adamu. But the outcome exposed the gulf between ADC’s rhetoric and its organizational capacity.

ADC leaders, including Ogun State chairman Femi Soluade, had accused the APC-led government of harassment and intimidation of members, while ex-ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu alleged a plot by the APC to capture all 16 seats as a prelude to the 2027 general elections. Nonetheless, the ruling party’s sweeping gains have left the ADC struggling to prove its relevance in the fast-approaching general elections.

Meanwhile, tension flared in Kano, where the APC called for the cancellation of the Shanono/Bagwai and Tsanyawa/Ghari bye-elections over what it described as “widespread violence and disruptions.” APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka cited reports of armed thugs overrunning polling units and intimidating voters.

The Kano State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 288 suspected thugs with weapons ranging from pump-action rifles to machetes, bows, arrows, and catapults. Police spokesman SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa warned that electoral violence and malpractice would not be tolerated, adding that all suspects would face prosecution. The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, acknowledged the arrests but insisted that despite logistical challenges, the elections were largely credible.

Still, the NNPP rejected the Tsanyawa/Ghari results, accusing INEC of rigging the poll in the APC’s favour. Kano NNPP Chairman Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa said the party would challenge the outcome in court, alleging manipulation and collusion between the APC and INEC officials. “Elections were conducted peacefully in the affected polling units, but unpatriotic politicians connived with INEC to declare the APC candidate,” he said.