The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed major victories in by-elections held across 16 constituencies in 12 states on Saturday, sparking fresh political debates and accusations from opposition parties.
According to official results, the APC won in 12 constituencies, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured one or two seats each. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), however, did not win in any of the constituencies.
APC spokesperson Felix Morka described the results as “a solid endorsement” of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said, “We thank Nigerians for their overwhelming support. Our candidates will deliver meaningful benefits to the people.”
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President Tinubu also congratulated the winners, saying the outcome proved that the APC remained popular nationwide. He praised party members and urged Nigerians to keep faith with his government.
“Our destination is a better, more secure, and prosperous Nigeria,” the President said in a statement released by his adviser, Bayo Onanuga.
But opposition parties disagreed sharply.
The ADC rejected the elections entirely, claiming they were marred by “violence, vote-buying, and intimidation.”
Party spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the polls did not reflect Nigeria’s democratic values.
“When ballots are exchanged for money and voters are threatened, the vote of the ordinary Nigerian loses meaning,” he said.
Similarly, the PDP in Edo, Jigawa, and Adamawa states accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias and manipulation. In Adamawa, PDP chairman Shehu Tahir claimed security officers helped the APC rig results.
“If this continues, democracy in 2027 is at great risk,” he warned.
INEC defended its conduct, saying the polls were mostly peaceful. However, in Zamfara State, it declared the Kaura Namoda South Constituency election inconclusive due to cancelled results in several polling units.
In places where victories were clear, APC officials celebrated.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed the win of Princess Adesola Elegbeji in the Remo Federal Constituency, calling it “the beginning of a new chapter.”
In Kaduna, the APC swept all contested positions, with party secretary Yahaya Baba-Pate saying the result was a reward for “hard work and performance.”
Despite the heated reactions, political analysts say the by-elections are being seen as an early test ahead of the 2027 general election.
For now, the APC is celebrating — but the loud protests from opposition parties suggest that Nigeria’s long-running debate over election fairness is far from over.