* Elated Tinubu rejoices, hails INEC for hitch-free polls, commends electorate for voting APC

* Victory is endorsement of the president, ruling party boasts

*ADC alleges intimidation, corruption, LP says it’s mockery of democracy, travesty of justice; PDP chief dismisses exercise as fraud

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City, James Sowole in Abeokuta, John Shiklam in Kaduna, David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja, Daji Sani in Yola and Laleye Dipo in Minna

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed a decisive win in weekend’s bye-elections held in 16 constituencies across 12 states of the federation, emerging victorious in 12 constituencies. 

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won two constituencies, while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gained the upper hand in one constituency each, in poll outcomes that were roundly rejected by the opposition parties.

The ballot on Saturday appeared to be a critical test of the strengths and current standings of the major political parties as the country prepared for general election in 2027.

While there were slightly stiff competitions in a few states, like Kano, the political parties mainly took the helm in states where they controlled the government, a pointer to what might pan out in the 2027 general election.

President Bola Tinubu rejoiced with all the winners, just as APC described the triumph of its candidates as an endorsement of the Tinubu administration.

But African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and PDP condemned the exercise.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended INEC for hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.

Tinubu also congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the bye-elections.

The president stated, “Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God.”

He commended all the political parties and candidates, who participated in the election, and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest, and magnanimity, which were enablers of enduring democracy.

National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement, commended the president for creating a level playing field for the bye-election.

The ruling party also commended progressive governors, devoted party leaders, members and supporters for their sacrificial efforts and contributions towards the party’s victory.

Morka stated, “This win is yet another solid endorsement of President Bola Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda designed to deliver, and now steadily delivering transformation of our country’s economy and other sectors of our national life. 

“Our hearty congratulations go to our victorious candidates across the country, and we charge them to reward their constituents with purposeful legislative interventions that translate Renewed Hope Agenda to meaningful benefits for the people.

“We specially congratulate our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on this crucial first dominant victory under his eminent leadership as National Chairman. It is a strong pointer to greater things to come.” 

APC further commended the electorate and also urged all Nigerians to sustain their support for the party and the president, as he continued to pave a clear and steady path of prosperity for this and future generations. 

It applauded INEC for the successful conduct of the bye-elections, as well as  all the security agencies for maintaining peace and order, despite cases of election violence and voter suppression in some districts. 

The state-by-state reports of how the elections held across the 16 constituencies in 12 states are detailed below.

KANO STATE

In Kano State, the two major political parties, the ruling NNPP and APC, secured a seat each in the House of Assembly bye-elections in different constituencies. 

Returning Officer, Professor Muhammad Waziri of Bayero University, Kano, representing INEC, declared Garba Ya’u Gwarmai of APC winner in the Ghari/Tsanyawa constituency. 

Gwarmai secured 31,472 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yusuf Ali Maigado, of NNPP, who garnered 27,931 votes. 

However, in the Bagwai/Shanono state constituency bye-election Returning Officer Adamu Shitu announced the result and gave victory to Ali Hassan Kiyawa of NNPP. 

Shitu announced that Kiyawa polled 16,198 votes, to defeat Ahmad Muhammad Kadamu of APC, who scored 5,347 votes. 

The supplementary election followed the passing of Hon. Ali Ibrahim Kundila in April 2024. 

APC called for cancelation of the Shanono/Bagwai and Tsanyawa/Ghari elections following the arrest of about 280 political thugs with dangerous weapons at different polling units. 

Morka issued a statement calling for the cancelation due to what he called “widespread extreme violence and election disruption by armed thugs across several polling units in Shanono and Bagwai and Ghari constituencies”. 

According to him, “Verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai local government areas and Ghari constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence, making the prospects of a credible election impossible.”

He added that proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency bye-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation would be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist. 

Public Relations Officer of Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said on his verified Facebook account that dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects. 

Kiyawa explained that the individuals were arrested for possessing dangerous weapons with the intent to disrupt the bye-election. 

He stated, “Just now, we have arrested 288 persons with dangerous weapons with intent to cause mayhem during the ongoing bye-election.”

Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, confirmed that over 100 suspected thugs were arrested in Bagwai Local Government Area. 

Zango said the suspects were found in possession of different weapons, adding that further arrests could be made to allow for peaceful conduct of the election. He assured that those arrested would be prosecuted.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, alleged that NNPP imported armed thugs from neighbouring states and countries to influence the just-concluded bye-election. 

Addressing a press conference in Kano yesterday, Ata described the bye-election as “charade called an election in Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency of our dear state, Kano”. 

He alleged that hired mercenaries infiltrated all the wards in Shanono/Bagwai constituency to launch coordinated attacks on supporters of the opposition political parties, particularly APC. 

Ata stated, “Disturbingly, the deliberate political brigandage by the NNPP reached its crescendo on the election day, despite our early alerts to the security agencies and assurances from the police and the DSS that the situation would be brought under control before the commencement of voting.”

The minister, who was in company with some APC stalwarts, added that residents and voters ran away for safety and relocated to neighbouring villages in Gwarzo and Bichi local government areas for their lives. 

He said, “We have just been informed that they have started to return to their homes this afternoon. As a result of this, the NNPP took over the polling units, hijacked the sensitive ballot materials – ballot papers and result sheets, thumped the ballot papers – and allocated votes for their party.” 

ANAMBRA STATE

INEC, yesterday in Anambra State, declared Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA winner of Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday.

Officials of the commission also declared Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe from the famous Ikpeazu family in Onitsha, as winner of the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency under APGA.

Nwachukwu polled 90,408 votes to defeat Chief Azuka Okwuosa of APC, who scored 19,812 votes, and Donald Amamgbo of ADC, who secured 2,889 votes.

The senate election, contested by 16 political parties, was conducted to fill the vacant seat left by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Ubah, who was first elected in 2019 on the platform of Young Progressives Party (YPP) and re-elected in 2023, later defected to APC before his death in 2024.

The victorious Nwachukwu, a former President-General of Ukpor community in Nnewi South Local Government Area, would be the first politician from Nnewi South Local Government Area to occupy the senatorial seat, when inaugurated.

In the Onitsha North I State Constituency bye-election, Ifeoma Mimi Azikiwe, was declared winner.

Returning Officer, Professor Ibiam Ekpe of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, said Azikiwe polled 7,774 votes to defeat Mrs. Justina Azuka of ADC, who scored 1,909 votes.

Justina is the widow of the slain lawmaker who previously represented the constituency before he was kidnapped on the eve of Christmas 2024. His body was later discovered in a bush near the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.

Mr. Ezennia Chuka Ojekwe of APC and Ms. Njideka Ndiwe of YPP received 1,371 and 655 votes, respectively.

In Anambra, Saturday’s bye-election was regarded as a foretaste of what to expect in the November 8 governorship election in the state.

KOGI STATE

The ruling APC candidate in Kogi State, Musa Yakubu, was declared winner of the Kogi House of Assembly seat for Okura II State Constituency at the bye election, by INEC.

Declaring the results in the early hours of yesterday, the returning officer, Professor Emmanuel Eneche, stated that Yakubu scored a total of 55,073 votes.

Eneche further explained that Mr Godwin Meliga of PDP polled 1038 votes, while Egene Ugbede of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) had 445 votes.

Other candidates were Amos Ahaiba of ADC, who scored 141 votes, Rilwan Mudi of SDP, who polled 85 votes, and Yakubu Ugbede of Accord Party, who got 16 votes.

EDO STATE

INEC declared Dr. Joseph Ikpea of APC winner of Saturday’s bye-election for Edo Central Senatorial District.

INEC Returning Officer, Professor Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government Area, declared Ikpea winner of the polls with 105,129 votes.

He defeated his closest rival, Joe Okojie of PDP, who scored 15, 146 votes. 

Omo-Iwoze stated, “That Ikpea Joseph of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner of the election.”

Retuning officer for Ovia Federal Constituency, Clement Ighodaro, declared Omosede Igbinedion as winner of the constituency bye-election, with a total of  77,053 votes, while the PDP candidate, Johnny Aikpitanyi, got 3,838 votes and candidate of ADC, Dr. Sandra Asemota, scored 925 votes. 

INEC had declared vacant the Edo Central Senatorial seat following the election of the former occupier, Monday Okpehbolo, who is now governor of the state.

OGUN STATE

The APC candidate for Remo Federal Constituency, Adesola Elegbeji, was declared winner of the bye-election by INEC.

Elegbeji secured victory across the three local government areas of Sagamu, Ikenne and Remo North.

Returning Officer, Professor Kazeem Bello, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday, declaring the APC candidate winner after polling 41,237 votes, against his rival, Bolarinwa Oluwole of PDP, who recorded 14,324 votes. ADC polled 289 votes.

Announcing results, Bello said Elegbeji, fulfilled all requirements of the Electoral Act, having secured the highest number of votes.

Other returning officers who took part in the collation process were Professor Richard Abayomi Sobayo (Sagamu), Dr. Akeem Adekunle Makinde (Ikenne), and Dr. Matthew Wheto (Remo North). 

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the APC victory as true testament to the popularity of his administration and the party across the country as well as a validation of the successes of revolutionary 24 months in office.

While congratulating the representative-elect, Princess Elegbeji, on her victory, Abiodun said it marked a new chapter in the democratic journey of Ogun State. He stated this while addressing journalists at his residence in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area.

The governor described Elegbeji as a round peg in a round hole, stating that the representative-elect embodied competence, vision, and dedication.

He assured the people of the constituency of quality representation with dignity and commitment at the green chamber, saying she would carry the voices of Ikenne, Sagamu, and Remo North to the national stage.

OYO STATE

In Oyo State, INEC declared Folajimi Oyekunle of PDP winner of Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election

Returning Officer for the election, Professor Abiodun Oluwadare of the University of Ibadan, made the declaration at the collation centre located at Ikolaba High School, Ibadan.

According to the results announced by INEC, Oyekunle polled 18,404 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Adewale Olatunji (Murphy) of APC, who secured 8,312 votes.

With this victory, Oyekunle will officially replace the late lawmaker, Hon. Musiliu Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban), whose death created the vacancy and necessitated the bye-election.

The outcome was hailed as a significant milestone for PDP, marking the party’s successful reclamation of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat for the first time since 2011.

ADAMAWA STATE

The APC candidate for Ganye Local Government Area State Constituency, Musa Misa, was declared winner of Saturday’s bye-election in Adamawa State.

The returning officer, Professor Tukur Ahmed, said Misa secured 15,923 votes to defeat his closest rival, Buba Joda of PDP, who garnered 15,794 votes. The margin of victory was 129 votes.

The election, which was closely contested across 10 wards, saw the APC and PDP record split victories in different wards. 

Former Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Martin Babale, thanked God for granting APC victory.

KADUNA STATE

The ruling APC in Kaduna State won all the three bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Zaria Kewaye, and Basawa state Constituencies. 

In Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Felix Bagudu of APC was declared winner by the returning officer, Professor Abubakar Jumare, who announced the results on Sunday. 

Jumare said the APC candidate scored 34,580 votes, to defeat Esther Ashivelli Dawaki of the opposition PDP, who got 11,491 votes. 

In Zaria Kewaye state constituency, INEC Returning Officer, Professor Balarabe Abdullahi, declared Haruna Ihamo, the APC candidate as winner, having polled 26,613 votes.

His closest challenger, Nuhu Abdullahi of Social Democratic Party (SDP), got 5,721 votes, while the PDP candidate, Mamuda Abdullahi Wappa, garnered 5,331 votes.

Similarly, in the Basawa state constituency bye-election, Returning Officer, Professor Nasiru Rabiu, announced that APC also emerged victorious, scoring  10,926 votes to defeat the PDP candidate who secured 5,499 votes. 

NIGER STATE

The APC candidate for the vacant state House of Assembly seat in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, Mr. Mathew Daje, triumphed in the bye-election.

Daje and his party, APC, humbled three other major political parties – PDP, SDP, and ADC.

Professor Abdulkarin Ambali Yussuf of Federal University of Technology, Minna, who was the returning officer, announced the result of the election in Sarkinpawa, headquarters of the local government.

Yussuf said the victorious APC candidate won convincingly in 10 out of the 11 wards in the constituency.

He said Daje and APC polled a total of 12,556 votes to defeat his closet challenger, Mr Sabo Adabyinlo of PDP, who recorded 5646 votes 

State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ahmed Garki, applauded the peaceful conduct of the election, declaring the poll as also very transparent free and fair.

APC state publicity secretary, Alhaji Musa Sarkinkaji, said the victory of the party had further shown that APC was the dominant party in the state.

Residents and observers alike also praised the conduct of the election, expressing hope that it would serve as a model for future polls in Niger State.

JIGAWA STATE

APC’s Rabiu Mukhtar won the bye-election held on Saturday in Garki/Babura federal constituency of Jigawa State.

Mukhtar of APC polled 38,449 votes to defeat his main rival, Isah Auwalu of PDP, who got 13,519 votes.

NNPP’s Sabo Salisu received 2,931 votes, while Muktar Babangida of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) got 31 votes.

TARABA STATE

INEC declared Abner Shittu of APC as winner of the Karim 1 state constituency bye-election in Taraba State. The APC candidate polled 5,901 to defeat PDP’s Ali Kanda, who got 5,527.

ADC’s Badina Garba scored 2,069 votes to finish a distant third.

ZAMFARA STATE (Inconclusive)

INEC declared the bye-election in Zamfara State inconclusive after cancellations in Sakajiki and Kambarawa wards.

INEC Returning Officer for the election, Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University, Gusau, said the total number of registered voters in the affected polling units stood at 5,446, while 3,265 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected in those areas.

He explained that APC scored 7,001 votes, while PDP scored 5,339 votes, leaving a margin of 1,662 votes.

Sa’adu stated that the margin was less than the total number of PVCs collected in the cancelled polling units, and, therefore, the election could not be concluded.

The electoral umpire cited Sections 24 subsection 2 & 3, Section 47 subsection 3, and Section 51 subsection 2 of the Electoral Act 2022 as reasons for declaring the election inconclusive.

ADC: Intimidation, Corruption Mark Polls

ADC expressed grave concern over the conduct of the bye-elections, and said it was marked by intimidation and corruption.

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the accounts of the bye-election allegedly marked by violence and thuggery could be the reason why a Canadian court described APC and PDP as terrorist organisations.

Abdullahi stated, “The ADC noted the recent declaration of both the PDP and the APC as terrorist organisations by a Canadian court. This must have come as great embarrassment to all citizens. But evidence of this bye-election makes it difficult to plead their case.” 

According to the party, the exercise once again exposed how far Nigeria’s electoral process has deteriorated under Tinubu and APC.

In a statement, Abdullahi said the elections were riddled with widely reported violence, vote buying, manipulation, and other administrative lapses. 

The ADC, however, stated that the party did not field candidates for most of the positions contested in the bye-election.

Abdullahi stated, “Therefore, with all its flaws and irregularities, this election should not be seen as a measure of the strength or capacity of the opposition coalition, but rather as a sad reflection of how far the system has been corrupted against the will of the people.

“What Nigerians witnessed in yesterday’s bye-elections is yet another reminder that under the current administration, democracy itself, just like the economy and our national security, continues to decline under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

“When elections are marred by widespread violence, when ballots are openly and brazenly exchanged for money, when opposition candidates are excluded without explanation, and when the very institutions entrusted to safeguard democracy become complicit, then the vote of the ordinary Nigerian ceases to have meaning.”

It’s Mockery of Democracy, Travesty of Justice, Says LP

Labour Party (LP) decried the conduct of Saturday’s bye-elections across the country, describing it as “nothing short of a mockery of democracy, a travesty of justice against the Nigerian people, and a dangerous dress rehearsal of what may befall us in 2027”.

The party, in a statement by Senior Special Adviser, Media, Ken Asogwa, to the interim national chairman, Nenadi Usman, said the election was marred by large-scale rigging, brazen vote-buying, and violence. 

It identified APC agents, INEC officials, and security agents detailed to ensure a smooth election process as masterminds of the “shameful acts that desecrated our electoral space”.

LP said INEC under Professor Mahmoud Yakubu had failed to redeem its image even after its performance in the 2023 elections where it displayed “brazen electoral heist that robbed the Labour Party and the Nigerian people of their mandate”.

It urged Tinubu to call his sympathisers to order, adding that “history will be unkind to President Tinubu if he permits the hawks around him to push him into further desecrating our democracy in the narrow pursuit of retaining power, even in the face of overwhelming rejection by a weary citizenry already pauperised by the ill-conceived policies of his administration.”

The statement added, “What transpired across Nigeria yesterday in the name of bye-elections was nothing short of a mockery of democracy, a travesty of justice against the Nigerian people, and a dangerous dress rehearsal of what may befall us in 2027 if citizens do not act swiftly to halt this brigandage.

“From Kaduna to Anambra, Ogun to Oyo, and Kano, the narrative remained the same: large-scale rigging, brazen vote-buying, and violence defined the process. Independent accounts confirmed that the ruling APC – often in collusion with security agencies – stood at the very centre of these shameful acts that desecrated our electoral space. 

“If INEC cannot conduct minor off-season elections with integrity, one shudders at the thought of how it intends to manage the nationwide polls of 2027. True to character, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Professor Mahmoud Yakubu did not disappoint.” 

LP explained, “Two years after the brazen electoral heist that robbed the Labour Party and the Nigerian people of their mandate, we had hoped that the passage of time would inspire Yakubu to at least attempt a semblance of redemption – a pretence at leaving behind a legacy. Yesterday’s outing has proven that such expectations were misplaced.

“We, therefore, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise to the occasion and rescue our democracy from imminent collapse. The charade witnessed yesterday must not be allowed to define future elections.” 

It’s Fraud, Says PDP Chieftain 

A PDP chieftain in Edo State, Alari Felix, described the bye-elections as an enforcement of fraud, wondering why the party, particularly in the state, participated in the election.

Reacting, in a statement in Benin City, made available to journalists on Sunday, Alari said the bye-elections were “an exercise that is nothing more than a political circus, where the clowns already know the script and the master wears the badge”.

He contended that if the last governorship election held on September 21, 2024 could be compromised in favour of candidate of APC, definitely, there was no hope in the last exercise because PDP would be walking into the same rigged casino, pretending as though the dice was fair when the truth was otherwise.

According to him, mere participation in the charade called bye-elections only lent legitimacy to an electoral process that had already been desecrated.

“It is baffling, almost insulting, that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is participating in the Ovia and Edo Central constituencies bye-elections, an exercise that is nothing more than a political circus, where the clowns already know the script,” he said.

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