The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has won four out of five seats in the recent legislative by-elections across four states in Nigeria. The elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states, comprised one seat in the House of Representatives and four seats in the House of Assembly. The APC's dominance has raised questions about the preparedness of opposition parties for the 2027 general elections.
In Gombe, the APC candidate, Kallamu MaiJama'a, won the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency with 41,121 votes, while the Labour Party (LP) candidate came second with 3,553 votes. Similarly, in Kano, the APC candidate, Hussaini Datti, won the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency election with 22,890 votes. The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) scored 270 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 108 and the LP 39 votes.
The APC also won the Disina State Constituency in Bauchi, where its candidate, Yakubu Ali, secured 5,846 votes. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) scored 5,225 votes, while the PRP scored 3,701 votes. However, the opposition's strongest showing came in the other Bauchi contest, where APM candidate, Adamu Yakubu, won the Sakwa State Constituency in Zaki Local Council with 8,515 votes.
In Delta, the APC candidate, Okolosi Ator, won the Udu State Constituency election with 8,724 votes, while the PDP candidate secured 214 votes. The outcome of the by-elections has intensified concerns over whether the opposition can convert its high-level coalition discussions into a coherent grassroots campaign before the general elections.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued INEC over failure to disclose the limits on political contributions under Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections. SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to disclose whether it has prescribed limits on political contributions and, if so, the specific limits and measures taken to publish and communicate them to political parties, candidates, donors, and the public.
Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Nwosu, said the September 19 by-elections should serve as a wake-up call for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the need for opposition parties to build stronger structures and develop a clear strategy for winning elections, including grassroots mobilisation, credible candidates, and effective participation in elections.
INEC described the elections as an important operational exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections. The commission's efforts to ensure the integrity of the electoral process are crucial in promoting transparency, accountability, and fair electoral competition. The by-election results have highlighted the need for opposition parties to reassess their strategies and strengthen their grassroots presence.
Key points
- APC won 4 out of 5 by-election seats in Nigeria.
- Opposition parties face challenges in building a coherent grassroots campaign.
- SERAP sues INEC over failure to disclose limits on political contributions.
