APC Wins 80% of By-Election Seats Across Four States
Recent legislative polls in Nigeria show the ruling party dominating opposition bids, prompting calls for stronger grassroots strategies ahead of 2027.
Key points
- The APC won four of five legislative seats in recent by-elections across four Nigerian states.
- SERAP sued INEC to compel disclosure of political contribution limits under the Electoral Act.
- Political leaders called for stronger grassroots strategies to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
The results of recent legislative by-elections in Nigeria have highlighted a significant gap between the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties. According to The Guardian Nigeria News, the APC secured four of the five contested seats across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states. This outcome raises questions about the opposition's ability to mount a serious challenge during the 2027 general elections.
While opposition parties have intensified efforts to build a unified coalition, the voting patterns suggest that grassroots mobilization remains a critical weakness. The disparity in vote counts between the APC candidates and their rivals indicates that high-level political discussions have not yet translated into effective local-level campaign strategies.
Electoral outcomes show wide margins
In the Gombe constituency, the APC candidate received over 41,000 votes, significantly outpacing the Labour Party candidate who polled fewer than 4,000. Similar trends emerged in Kano, where the APC secured nearly 23,000 votes against rivals who collectively garnered less than 500. In Bauchi, the ruling party won two of the three seats, with one opposition victory coming from the Allied Peoples Movement.
The Delta state results further underscore the dominance of the APC, with the party's candidate securing over 8,700 votes compared to the PDP's 214. These figures illustrate the current electoral landscape, where the ruling party maintains a strong foothold while opposition parties struggle to gain traction in key constituencies.
Legal challenges target campaign finance
Amid these electoral results, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission. SERAP is seeking a court order to compel INEC to disclose limits on political contributions and the procedures in place to monitor campaign expenditure. The suit aims to ensure transparency and fair competition ahead of the next general election cycle.
Legal experts note that clear rules on funding are essential for a level playing field. SERAP argues that without disclosed limits and enforcement mechanisms, the integrity of electoral competition is compromised. This legal action adds another layer of complexity to the political environment as parties prepare for future contests.
Calls for strategic electoral preparation
Former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu described the recent by-elections as a wake-up call for opposition parties. He emphasized the need to shift focus from coalition discussions to practical preparations, including robust grassroots mobilization and the selection of credible candidates. Nwosu stressed that winning elections requires more than just high-level alliances; it demands effective local engagement.
INEC has characterized these polls as an important operational exercise leading up to 2027. Observers suggest that the coming months will be critical for opposition parties to restructure their campaigns. The forward-looking question remains whether these parties can bridge the grassroots divide before the next major electoral event.
