The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently chosen by a coalition of opposition leaders who are determined to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, has expressed confidence in winning several seats in today’s nationwide by-elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting polls in 16 constituencies across 12 states. Among the seats to be contested are two senatorial positions in Edo Central and Anambra South.
Elections are also being held in five federal constituencies spread across Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States, while nine state constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara States will also participate.
In addition, reruns will take place in Enugu South I State Constituency and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano following court orders.
Most of the seats became vacant after court judgments, resignations, or the deaths of former holders. For example, the Edo Central senatorial seat was declared vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo resigned to become governor.
This election is a crucial test for the ADC as it is the first poll since opposition leaders united under its platform.
Top politicians including Senator David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi have all openly campaigned for the party. Analysts believe that the results will be an early indication of how much influence the ADC could have in future elections.
Controversy arose in Anambra when former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was seen campaigning for the ADC’s candidate in the Onitsha North 1 House of Assembly election.
Though Obi maintains his loyalty to the Labour Party, his action caused confusion. The Labour Party’s Anambra chairman later explained that INEC’s refusal to properly upload the party’s candidates forced them to allow their preferred aspirant to run under ADC.
He said the woman was chosen to continue the legacy of her late husband who previously held the position, making her support a form of compensation for the family.
In Kaduna, former governor Nasir El-Rufai campaigned for the ADC’s candidate Alex Adamu in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
Videos of the rally circulated online, but El-Rufai was criticized for allegedly neglecting candidates of his own party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He later released a video urging SDP supporters in Zaria and Sabongari to back his party’s candidates.
Security concerns are high in several states, especially Anambra and Kaduna, where bandits and unknown gunmen have been causing unrest. Many residents fear possible attacks on election day, which could lead to low voter turnout and create opportunities for electoral malpractice.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed senior officers, tactical squads, and intelligence teams to ensure a safe and credible process nationwide.
The outcome of this by-election will not only decide 68 seats but may also shape the future of the ADC and the strength of the opposition as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections.
