Nigeria By-Elections 2025: APC Dominance, PDP Resilience, and Opposition Struggles Signal Road to 2027
Story: written by Uzuh Rita Grace August 18,2025
Saturday’s by-elections across 16 constituencies in 12 states offered more than routine contests to fill vacant legislative seats. The polls, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), became a political barometer for measuring party strength and previewing the likely battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Consolidates Power
Despite widespread economic hardship and public discontent, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) once again proved its electoral dominance. The party secured victories in multiple states, underscoring the depth of its grassroots structure.
In Edo State, Joseph Ikpea won the Edo Central Senatorial District, while Omosede Igbinedion captured the Ovia Federal Constituency. Kaduna also turned in strong results for the APC, with the party winning a House of Representatives seat and two state assembly constituencies.
Even in Adamawa, home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the APC edged out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ganye State Constituency with 15,923 votes against 15,794. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), which had entered into an opposition coalition experiment, trailed badly with only 42 votes.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the APC for its emphatic showing, praising new national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and party leaders for fielding “popular candidates” and ensuring unity within the ranks.
PDP Holds Ground as Opposition
While the APC celebrated dominance, the PDP demonstrated resilience. The party secured victories in Ibadan North Federal Constituency and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency, reinforcing its status as the main opposition force. Analysts note that Atiku Abubakar’s six million votes in the last presidential election reflected the party’s enduring network more than his personal appeal—a reality highlighted by the by-election results.
However, the PDP faces a mounting challenge from defections and internal divisions. Atiku’s gamble on the ADC coalition experiment failed to resonate, even in his home state, raising questions about his strategy heading into 2027.
ADC, Labour Party, and Obi Face Setbacks
The ADC coalition, backed by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, suffered a major blow. Despite Obi’s endorsement of ADC candidates in Anambra, the Labour Party leader could not dent the dominance of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which secured victories in both the Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency. Obi’s balancing act between Labour Party and ADC has left him politically vulnerable.
Regional Strongholds Endure
The results reinforced Nigeria’s regional political map. In Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retained influence, winning the Bagwai/Shanono State Assembly seat, while APC held Ghari/Tsanyawa. In Anambra, APGA reaffirmed its stronghold, resisting external pressures from both PDP and ADC.
Electoral Malpractices Persist
The elections were not without controversy. Reports of vote-buying and bribery surfaced across states. In Kaduna, a PDP agent was arrested with N30 million allegedly meant for voter inducement. In Ogun, INEC staff were apprehended with suspected bribe money, while ADC officials in Anambra were caught with ballot papers.
These irregularities once again spotlighted Nigeria’s electoral challenges and raised questions about INEC’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
What the Results Mean for 2027
Saturday’s by-elections underscored three realities: APC remains the dominant force, PDP continues as the only credible national opposition, and new coalitions such as the ADC face an uphill battle without strong grassroots structures.
Analysts argue that if opposition parties hope to challenge APC in 2027, they must reconcile internal divisions, strengthen local networks, and present a unified message.
For voters, the elections were a reminder that while democracy offers choice, Nigeria’s political order remains firmly entrenched. Without electoral reforms and stronger institutions, 2027 could mirror the familiar dominance of old power blocs.
