The All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged the biggest winner in Saturday’s by-elections, securing victories in Nasarawa, Enugu, Kano, Ondo and Kebbi states, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) retained the Rivers South-East Senatorial seat.
Results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday expanded the APC’s representation in the National Assembly, although several of the contests were marred by allegations of electoral malpractice, violence and voter intimidation.
In Nasarawa North Senatorial District, APC candidate Danladi Halilu defeated Labour Party’s Labaran Maku and PDP’s Emmanuel Ombugadu to clinch the seat with 45,362 votes. Maku rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities and calling for the election’s cancellation. APC officials dismissed the claims, insisting the victory reflected the party’s popularity in the district.
The APC also recorded a landslide win in Kano’s Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency, while its candidate, Ikeje Asogwa, secured a commanding victory in the Enugu North Senatorial by-election with 162,360 votes. However, the Enugu poll was overshadowed by reports of violence, ballot-box snatching and attacks on opposition supporters.
In Ondo South Senatorial District, APC candidate and former Nigerian Medical Association president, Prof. Francis Faduyile, won with 68,474 votes. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the result as a reflection of public confidence in the senator-elect’s leadership credentials.
The PDP’s only major victory came in Rivers South-East Senatorial District, where Olaka Nwogu won decisively with 46,961 votes, defeating APC candidate Osarokaka Erewari. However, candidates of the Action Alliance (AA) and Labour Party rejected the outcome, alleging rigging and threatening legal action.
INEC defended the conduct of the elections, maintaining that the by-elections were conducted in line with electoral guidelines and urging aggrieved parties to seek redress through established legal channels.