The All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as the biggest winner in Saturday’s by-elections, securing key victories in Nasarawa, Enugu, Kano, Ondo and Kebbi states, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) successfully defended the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat.
Results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday strengthened the APC’s position in legislative chambers across the country. However, several of the polls were clouded by accusations of electoral malpractice, voter intimidation and violence.
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APC Triumphs in Nasarawa
In Nasarawa State, APC candidate Danladi Halilu defeated Labour Party’s Labaran Maku and PDP candidate Emmanuel Ombugadu to claim the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat.
Returning Officer, Prof. Aminu Ali, announced that Halilu polled 45,362 votes, while Maku secured 12,931 votes and Ombugadu garnered 11,570 votes.
Other candidates trailed behind, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Alaku Mohammed Steve, scoring 1,496 votes and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, John Paul, receiving 102 votes.
Following the declaration, Labour Party representatives staged a walkout at the collation centre in protest against the conduct of the election.
Maku subsequently rejected the outcome, describing the exercise as flawed and calling on INEC to cancel the poll and organise a fresh election.
The former Minister of Information alleged widespread violations of electoral regulations, including claims of ballot manipulation and the non-use of BVAS devices in some polling units.
Responding to the allegations, Nasarawa APC spokesman Augustine Ogaba dismissed the complaints, insisting that the election reflected the will of the electorate and urging Maku to accept defeat.
APC Sweeps Enugu North
In Enugu State, APC candidate Ikeje Asogwa recorded a landslide victory in the Enugu North Senatorial by-election.
INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Christian Ezebe, announced that Asogwa secured 162,360 votes, far ahead of PDP candidate Nestor Ezeme, who polled 9,299 votes.
Other contestants received significantly lower votes, paving the way for a comfortable APC victory.
Despite the overwhelming margin, reports from parts of the senatorial district indicated incidents of violence, ballot-box snatching and disruptions during the exercise.
One of the most serious incidents occurred in Obollo-Afor, where a PDP polling agent reportedly sustained severe injuries during an attack and was later hospitalised.
Kano Federal Constituency Falls to APC
The ruling party also secured victory in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency by-election in Kano State.
APC candidate Rabiu Shuaibu won convincingly with 35,356 votes, while his nearest rivals from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Labour Party recorded 268 and 98 votes respectively.
Returning Officer Prof. Umar Sani announced the results after the completion of vote collation, describing the election as peaceful.
Faduyile Wins Ondo South Seat
In Ondo State, APC candidate Prof. Francis Faduyile emerged victorious in the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election.
According to Returning Officer Prof. Gbenga Ibileye, Faduyile garnered 68,474 votes to defeat candidates of the Allied People’s Movement, Action People’s Party and Boot Party.
The total valid votes cast stood at 70,770, with 602 ballots declared invalid.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa congratulated the senator-elect, describing the outcome as a reflection of public trust in his ability to represent the district effectively at the National Assembly.
The governor also praised INEC, security agencies and voters for ensuring a largely peaceful process.
PDP Holds Rivers South-East
While APC celebrated victories elsewhere, the PDP maintained control of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
PDP candidate Olaka Nwogu secured 46,961 votes to defeat APC challenger Osarokaka Erewari, who scored 1,647 votes.
The election took place across seven local government areas, including Khana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Andoni, Oyigbo and Opobo.
Returning Officer Prof. Rosemary Ogu officially declared Nwogu the winner.
Opposition Candidates Reject Rivers Result
Despite the PDP victory, candidates of the Action Alliance (AA) and Labour Party rejected the outcome and vowed to challenge it in court.
AA candidate Douglas Fabeke accused INEC and security personnel of aiding electoral manipulation and alleged that fake result sheets were circulated during the exercise.
He insisted that legal action would be taken against the commission, the PDP and those involved in the process.
Similarly, Labour Party candidate Kinani Sam claimed he possessed video, audio and photographic evidence of irregularities and demanded the cancellation of the election.
Responding to the allegations, INEC’s spokesperson in Rivers State, Geraldine Ekelemu, maintained that the commission conducted a credible poll.
She noted that any dissatisfied candidate was free to seek redress through the legal channels provided under the Electoral Act, stressing that INEC remained confident in the integrity of the process.
The by-elections have further expanded APC’s influence in several regions, while the PDP succeeded in holding on to its stronghold in Rivers State. Nevertheless, post-election disputes and allegations of misconduct are expected to keep some of the contests under scrutiny in the coming weeks.
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