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…Tinubu hails winners, commends INEC, APC leadership
…PDP, NNPP reject results across several states, cite intimidation, manipulation
…INEC declares Zamfara Assembly election inconclusive amid security concerns
By Our Correspondents
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its dominance in by-elections across 16 federal and state constituencies held in 12 states, including Ogun, Edo and Kaduna, even as opposition parties rejected results in several constituencies, citing irregularities, intimidation and manipulation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Zamfara Assembly bye-election inconclusive, citing insecurity and procedural breaches.
By Sunday morning, results confirmed APC had secured 12 of the 16 seats across nine states. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) claimed two seats in Anambra, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won one in Oyo, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) clinched one in Kano.
In Ogun State, Mrs Adesola Elegbeji of the APC was declared winner of the Remo Federal Constituency by-election, polling 41,237 votes to defeat PDP’s Bolarinwa Oluwole, who garnered 14,324 votes. Returning Officer, Professor Kazeem Bello, announced: “That Elegbeji Adesola Yetunde Ayoola of APC having satisfied the requirement of law is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.” The election followed the death of Adewunmi Onanuga, former representative of the constituency, on 15 January 2025.
In Edo State, Omosede Igbinedion of the APC captured the Ovia Federal Constituency seat with 77,053 votes, leaving PDP’s Johnny Aikpitanyi with 3,838 and ADC’s Dr Sandra Asemota with 925. Returning Officer, Professor Clement Ighodalo, affirmed the result: “Omosede Igbinedion of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner of the election.” Despite low voter turnout, the outcome underlined APC’s organisational reach in the South-South.
Across northern states, APC’s victories were also emphatic. In Kaduna, Dahiru Umar-Sani won the Basawa Constituency with 10,996 votes, defeating PDP candidate Muazu Danyaro, who polled 5,499. The Returning Officer, Professor Nasiru Rabiu of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, confirmed Umar-Sani’s victory.
In Kano, APC’s Garba Ya’u Gwarmai triumphed in the Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary election with 31,472 votes, edging NNPP’s Yusuf Ali Maigado who scored 27,931.
The NNPP swiftly rejected the result, alleging manipulation and voter suppression. Kano State Chairman, Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, declared: “The manipulations orchestrated against the candidate in Tsanyawa/Ghari re-run election cannot be condoned. NNPP will continue to resist injustice, favouritism, election manipulation, and any attempt to use federal might to disenfranchise the people of Kano State.”
INEC, meanwhile, ruled the Zamfara Assembly bye-election inconclusive after reports of violence and malpractice in several polling units. While details of a rerun are pending, the commission pledged to safeguard voters’ rights when the exercise resumes.
The PDP has dismissed results from Edo, Jigawa and Kano, accusing APC of vote buying, intimidation and collusion with electoral officials. In Edo, PDP spokesperson Chris Nehikhare said: “The BVAS is the single most important tool that guarantees the credibility of elections in Nigeria. What we witnessed was not a technical failure but deliberate sabotage by INEC. We reject the purported results being circulated. This election is nothing but an embarrassment to democracy.”
In Jigawa, the PDP alleged that APC deployed state resources to influence the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency election, vowing to pursue legal remedies to recover what it described as its “stolen mandate.”
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated all winners of the by-elections and commended INEC for conducting largely peaceful polls. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President said, “Chairman Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders. To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God.”
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, attributed APC’s victory in the Remo Federal Constituency to his administration’s deliberate policies aimed at transforming the state through extensive infrastructural development. Speaking in Iperu at a press conference, he said the election was a referendum on his government’s performance, despite attempts to sway voters through inducements and intimidation.
“The people of Remo Federal Constituency have spoken loudly. This election is a testament to the popularity of our administration and a validation of President Tinubu’s reforms in the past 24 months,” Governor Abiodun said. He added that the win coincided with NCAA’s approval of the Gateway International Airport for commercial operations, describing it as a “monumental achievement” that firmly connects Ogun to the world.
While congratulating Mrs Elegbeji, he appealed to her to carry the mandate with humility and dedication, insisting that the election outcome is a foretaste of the 2027 general elections. He praised party members, traditional rulers, INEC officials and security agencies for their roles in delivering what he called a credible exercise.
Mrs Elegbeji, in her remarks, pledged to prioritise women and youth empowerment, rural integration and constituency projects with direct benefits for residents of Remo Federal Constituency.
In Edo, Governor Monday Okpebholo celebrated the victories of Senator-elect Joe Ikpea and House of Representatives Member-elect Omosede Igbinedion. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said their victories signalled strong public confidence and predicted that APC would deliver Edo to President Tinubu in 2027.
He also commended INEC for what he described as a credible poll and security agencies for maintaining order. Calling for cooperation, the governor urged all stakeholders to rally behind the newly elected lawmakers while pledging that his administration would work with representatives of all political leanings to advance Edo’s development.
