APC Expands Grip in By-Elections, PDP Holds Rivers Strongly

The weekend’s by-elections across Nigeria delivered a clear message: the All Progressives Congress (APC) is tightening its grip on several states, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to hold ground in Rivers. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the results on Sunday, underscoring the APC’s growing momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

APC’s Expanding Reach
The APC’s victories spanned four states—Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano, and Kebbi—covering both legislative and state assembly seats. These wins not only filled vacancies but also reinforced the party’s dominance in regions where it has steadily built influence.

In Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, former president of the Nigerian Medical Association, emerged victorious with 68,474 votes. His win reflects APC’s ability to mobilize support across diverse local government areas, from Okitipupa to Ilaje. The election followed the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, leaving a crucial vacancy that APC swiftly reclaimed.

Rivers: PDP’s Fortress
While APC celebrated gains elsewhere, Rivers State reminded observers of PDP’s resilience. Olaka Nwogu, a former senator, secured the Rivers South-East seat with 47,961 votes. His victory ensures PDP maintains a foothold in a region where political loyalty has historically leaned in its favor. Nwogu replaces the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, continuing PDP’s presence in the oil-rich state.

Nasarawa: A Contest with Ripples
In Nasarawa West Senatorial District, APC candidate Aliyu Wadada won decisively, defeating Labour Party’s Labaran Maku and PDP’s Emmanuel Ombugadu. The contest drew attention not only for its competitiveness but also for the opposition’s rejection of the outcome. Some parties signaled plans to challenge the results, raising questions about post-election litigation and its impact on voter confidence.

Kano: APC Secures Federal Constituency
Kano’s Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency saw APC’s Rabiu Shuaibu claim victory with 35,356 votes. The seat became vacant following the death of NNPP’s Muhammad Danjuma-Hassan. Shuaibu’s win highlights APC’s ability to penetrate constituencies previously aligned with other parties, further consolidating its northern base.

Kebbi: Assembly Seat Reclaimed
In Kebbi State, APC candidate Rabiu Garba Aiki won the Zuru State Constituency by-election with 4,871 votes. The election filled the vacancy left by the death of former Speaker Muhammad Usman Zuru. Despite low voter turnout—just over 5,000 valid votes recorded out of more than 109,000 registered voters—the APC’s victory reinforces its control of the state assembly.

Political analysts view these results as early indicators of party strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. APC’s ability to secure wins across multiple states suggests a widening base, while PDP’s hold in Rivers demonstrates its enduring relevance in key regions. The contrasting outcomes highlight Nigeria’s complex political landscape, where regional loyalties and national strategies intersect.

INEC officials described the Ondo poll as a “testing ground” for future elections, emphasizing lessons learned in logistics and voter engagement. With opposition parties contesting some results, the by-elections also spotlight the importance of transparent processes in sustaining public trust.

Across the states, turnout varied significantly. Ondo recorded over 70,000 votes cast, while Kebbi saw fewer than 6,000. These figures raise concerns about voter apathy and participation, issues that could shape the credibility of future elections. Analysts argue that both APC and PDP must address declining turnout to ensure legitimacy in 2027.

The by-elections reveal a shifting balance of power. APC’s victories in Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano, and Kebbi strengthen its national presence, while PDP’s success in Rivers underscores its resilience. As Nigeria moves closer to 2027, these contests serve as a preview of the battles ahead—where turnout, trust, and party strategy will determine the nation’s political trajectory.