The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a sweeping victory in the just-concluded by-elections held across select constituencies, a development that has sparked outrage and rejection from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared APC candidates winners in nearly all contested seats, citing high voter turnout in some areas and orderly conduct of the exercise.
However, the PDP, ADC, and LP have dismissed the results as a “charade,” alleging widespread irregularities, voter intimidation, and manipulation of the electoral process.
In a joint statement, the opposition parties accused security agencies of colluding with ruling party officials to disenfranchise their supporters. They further alleged that vote-buying and the hijacking of election materials marred the credibility of the polls.
“The outcome of these by-elections does not reflect the true will of the people,” PDP’s national publicity secretary declared, vowing to challenge the results in court. Similarly, the Labour Party described the polls as “an abuse of democracy,” while the ADC said the exercise “eroded public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.”
Meanwhile, APC leaders have hailed the victory as a demonstration of the people’s trust in the party’s leadership and its commitment to governance. A senior APC chieftain stated that the wins signaled “renewed hope and faith in our developmental agenda.”
INEC has urged aggrieved parties to seek redress through lawful channels, stressing that it remains committed to credible elections.
With the opposition poised for legal and political battles, the aftermath of the by-election is expected to further test Nigeria’s democratic process and party relations ahead of future general elections.
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