State by-election results: APGA takes Anambra North, as ruling parties dominate

By-elections held across several states on Saturday have seen the ruling parties consolidate their dominance, even as the opposition managed to secure wins in select constituencies.

The elections were not, however, without skirmishes and allegations of vote-buying.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Kano: NNPP wins Bagwai/Shanono by-election

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate, Ali Alhassan, won the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency seat in Kano with 16,198 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate who polled 5,347 votes. The by-election was conducted following the death of the former lawmaker representing the constituency.

Ogun: APC sweeps Remo Federal Constituency

The APC candidate, Mrs. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, emerged winner of the Remo Federal Constituency by-election with 41,237 votes. Her closest rival, Bola Oluwole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 14,324 votes, while the African Democratic Congress trailed with 289. Ayoola-Elegbeji, who replaces the late Adewunmi Onanuga, promised to deliver effective representation.

Kogi: APC’s Shado claims Okura seat

APC candidate Hassan Shado was declared winner of the Okura State Constituency by-election in Kogi, polling 55,073 votes. The PDP candidate managed 1,038 votes while the Allied Peoples Movement scored 445. The poll witnessed low turnout, though INEC commended the peaceful conduct.

Edo: APC’s Igbinedion wins Ovia

Omosede Igbinedion of the APC won the Ovia Federal Constituency by-election in Edo, polling 77,053 votes against PDP’s Johnny Aikpitanyi, who scored 3,838. ADC’s Sandra Asemota came third with 925 votes. The seat became vacant after Dennis Idahosa became deputy governor in 2024.

Oyo: PDP reclaims Ibadan North

In Oyo State, PDP’s Folajinmi Oyekunle won the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election with 18,404 votes, defeating APC’s Adewale Olatunji (8,312 votes). The victory marks the PDP’s first win in the constituency since 2011, filling the vacancy left by the late Musiliu Akinremi.

Anambra: APGA retains Onitsha North 1

APGA candidate Ifeoma Azikiwe won the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency seat with 7,774 votes, beating ADC’s Justina Azuka (1,909), APC’s Ezennia Ojekwe (1,371), and YPP’s Njideka Ndiwe (655).

The election allegedly witnessed massive vote-buying, with the ruling party said to have paid upwards of N10,000 for each vote.

The seat became vacant following the killing of former lawmaker Justice Azuka, husband of Justina Azuka.

Kano: APC secures Ghari/Tsanyawa re-run

The APC reclaimed momentum in Kano with Garba Gwarmai winning the Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary election with 31,472 votes against NNPP’s Yusuf Maigado, who had 27,931. The re-run was ordered after the initial poll was declared inconclusive.

Edo: APC’s Ikpea wins Central Senatorial by-election

Joseph Ikpea of the APC emerged winner of the Edo Central Senatorial District by-election with 105,129 votes, defeating PDP’s Joe Okojie, who garnered 15,146. The seat became vacant after former Senator Monday Okpebholo was elected governor. Ikpea pledged to prioritise infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, and healthcare.