By-elections held across 13 Nigerian states on August 16, 2025, produced mixed results for major political parties, with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) each claiming victories in different constituencies.
However, the elections were not without controversy, with several allegations of vote buying, manipulation, and electoral malpractice.
Kano State: NNPP and APC Split Seats
In the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency by-election, the NNPP emerged victorious as Dr. Ali Kiyawa secured 16,198 votes, defeating APC’s Ahmad Kadamu, who polled 5,347. The result was declared by Returning Officer Professor Hassan Shitu at 12:36 a.m.
However, tensions flared in the Ghari/Tsanyawa Constituency, where APC’s Garba Gwarmai was declared winner with 31,472 votes over NNPP’s Yusuf Ali Maigado, who polled 27,931. The supplementary election followed an inconclusive earlier poll and was marred by allegations of manipulation, with NNPP leaders reportedly protesting at the INEC office in Kano.
Kogi State: APC Dominates Okura II
In Kogi’s Okura II State Constituency, the APC’s Musa Hassan Yakubu won decisively with 55,073 votes. His closest rival, PDP’s Godwin Meliga, secured just 1,038 votes. The ADC, SDP, and other smaller parties trailed with minimal votes. Despite a peaceful process, voter turnout remained critically low.
Oyo State: PDP Retains Ibadan North Seat
The PDP’s Folajinmi Oyekunle clinched the Ibadan North Federal Constituency with 18,404 votes, beating APC’s Adewale Olatunji who scored 8,312 votes. Other parties such as the ADC, APGA, and ZLP received less than 100 votes each. The result was announced by Professor Abiodun Oluwadare of the University of Ibadan.
Edo State: APC’s Igbinedion Wins in Ovia
In Ovia Federal Constituency, APC’s Omosede Igbinedion triumphed with 77,053 votes, defeating PDP’s Johnny Aikpitanyi (3,838 votes) and ADC’s Dr. Sandra Asemota (925 votes). The result was officially announced by Professor Clement Ighodalo.
Anambra State: APGA Claims Two Seats
APGA made a strong showing in Anambra, winning the Anambra South Senatorial seat and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency. Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu won the senatorial race with 90,408 votes, while APC’s Azuka Okwuosa came a distant second with 19,812. In Onitsha North 1, Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe of APGA also claimed victory.
Zamfara: INEC Declares Election Inconclusive
The Kaura-Namoda South State Assembly by-election in Zamfara was declared inconclusive. APC led with 6,999 votes against PDP’s 5,339. INEC cited the need for supplementary polls in five polling units.
Ogun State: APC’s Elegbeji Wins Remo Federal Constituency
APC’s Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji emerged victorious in the Remo Federal Constituency with 41,237 votes, defeating PDP’s Bolarinwa Oluwole who polled 14,324. The election was marred by claims from the PDP of thuggery and voter intimidation.
Niger State: APC Wins Munya Constituency Amid Controversy
Mathew Dogara Daje of the APC won the Munya Constituency seat in Niger State with 12,556 votes. His PDP opponent, Sabo Sunday Adabyinlo, garnered 5,646 votes but rejected the results, alleging vote buying and state-sponsored intimidation. The APC denied the claims and attributed the victory to its popularity in the state.
ADC Condemns Nationwide Electoral Irregularities
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the conduct of the by-elections held on Saturday, August 16, across 13 states and 16 constituencies, describing the process as deeply compromised and reflective of a worsening democratic climate in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party voiced serious concerns over widespread reports of electoral malpractice, including violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, and administrative lapses.
Though the ADC did not present candidates in most of the constituencies, it cautioned against viewing the outcomes as a reflection of the opposition’s strength or weakness. Instead, it argued the elections revealed a deeper crisis in Nigeria’s electoral integrity under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The party cited troubling incidents such as the arrest of nearly 300 armed thugs, ballot box snatching, and the cancellation of votes in multiple polling units. It also noted that a vote-buyer was caught with ₦25.9 million in cash, while some election officials were allegedly complicit in fraudulent practices.
Additionally, the ADC criticized repeated failures of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), questioning the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) capacity, transparency, and impartiality.
“If INEC cannot ensure the credibility of a by-election, how can it be trusted to conduct a general election?” the statement concluded.
While the by-elections offered political wins across party lines, they also revealed persistent flaws in Nigeria’s electoral process. Allegations of manipulation, violence, and systemic failures continue to undermine public confidence, prompting calls for urgent electoral reform and institutional accountability.
