APC Secures Four Seats in Nigeria's September By-Elections

Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured four legislative seats in the by-elections held on September 19, 2026. According to the party’s national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the results reflect sustained confidence in the party’s candidates across diverse geopolitical zones, including the North-East, North-West, and South-South regions.

The victories were declared in Gombe, Kano, Delta, and Bauchi states. In a statement issued by the APC National Working Committee, Yilwatda described the outcome as a mandate for service, urging the newly elected representatives to prioritize humility and effective representation for their constituents. The party leadership also extended commendations to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their role in facilitating the electoral process.

Regional Breakdown of Victories

The specific constituencies where APC candidates emerged as winners include the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, where Kallamu Usman MaiJama’a secured the seat. In Kano State, Husseini Datti was declared the winner in the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency. Meanwhile, in the South-South region, Okolosi Ator won the Udu State Constituency in Delta State, and Yakubu Ali claimed the Disina State Constituency in Bauchi State.

These results are particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of legislative races in these states, which have historically served as bellwethers for the APC’s internal cohesion and voter engagement. The success in Delta and Kano suggests that the party’s ground mobilization strategies remain effective even in areas with strong opposition presence.

Institutional Praise and Democratic Commitment

Yilwatda’s statement emphasized the collaborative nature of the electoral process, praising INEC for its logistical and administrative oversight. He further acknowledged the security agencies for maintaining order, a critical factor in ensuring voter access and the integrity of the vote-counting process. This public endorsement of electoral institutions is part of a broader effort by major political parties to reinforce trust in the democratic framework during a period of heightened political scrutiny.

The party leadership framed the wins not merely as political achievements but as a collective commitment to democratic principles. By commending voters and campaign teams, the APC sought to project an image of unity and institutional stability, key elements in its narrative leading up to the next general election cycle.

Forward Implications for Party Strategy

With the 2027 general elections approaching, these by-election results provide valuable data on voter sentiment and party performance in key constituencies. Analysts note that winning seats in both northern and southern states strengthens the APC’s claim to national representativeness. The party is expected to leverage these victories to galvanize its grassroots structures and refine its messaging for the upcoming electoral cycle.

Observers will closely monitor how the new legislators integrate into state house dynamics and whether their mandates align with the broader policy agenda of the party. The coming months will likely see increased focus on legislative productivity as a measure of the party’s ability to translate electoral success into tangible governance outcomes.