The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded major victories in the weekend’s by-elections across Nigeria, with party leaders pointing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as the decisive factor that enabled free and fair contests.
Tolu Bankole, a member of the party’s National Working Committee, issued a statement on Sunday in Abuja praising both the candidates and President Tinubu for upholding democratic principles during the elections.
From Edo to Kaduna, APC demonstrated dominance. Joe Ikpea emerged winner in Edo Central Senatorial District, Omosede Igbinedion secured Ovia Federal Constituency, and Mukhtar Rabi’u took the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency seat in Jigawa. In Adamawa, Misa Musa triumphed in Ganye State Constituency, while Ogun’s Remo Federal Constituency was retained by Mrs. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji with over 41,000 votes.
In Kano, APC’s Garba Gwarmai defeated Yusuf Maigado of the NNPP in the Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary poll by 31,472 votes to 27,931. The party’s momentum carried into Kaduna, where it won three legislative seats, including a federal constituency.
In his remarks, Bankole emphasized Tinubu’s role in shaping a democratic culture. “We must specially acknowledge and commend the uncommon leadership of President Bola Tinubu for creating a level playing ground and upholding the sacred tenets of democracy. By ensuring transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness, Mr President has once again demonstrated that leadership is about trust, equity and service to the people,” he stated.
He also lauded voters across the country for endorsing the APC’s governance model and the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Together, we will continue to build a nation where democracy works for all, and development touches every home,” Bankole stressed.
Observers say the by-election victories signal that APC is likely to approach the 2027 general elections from a position of greater strength.