6 out of 7: How APC swept Ekiti gov, 5 bye-elections, lost Rivers to PDP
APC Secures Governorship Win in Ekiti, Dominates Bye-Elections
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has emerged victorious in the state’s recent governorship election, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) also secured five of the six bye-elections across Ondo, Enugu, Nasarawa, Kano, Kebbi, and Rivers states.
Oyebanji achieved a significant victory, garnering 319,224 votes, to outpace his nearest rival, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 40,543 votes. Ambassador Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came in third with 12,872 votes.
In the simultaneous bye-elections, APC candidates triumphed in Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kano, and Kebbi but were defeated in Rivers by the PDP.
Following his re-election, Oyebanji addressed the media in Ado Ekiti, characterizing the results as “an unprecedented electoral outcome.” He emphasized the election’s significance as a turning point in Ekiti’s political culture, notably citing its peaceful conduct without violence.
“You have spoken loudly and unequivocally,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to serving the constituency. “Ekiti has taken a new course, where consensus building, peace, and harmony will guide our political engagements.”
The governor noted that the election served as a validation of his administration’s performance. He extended his congratulations to Oluyede and Bejide, promising to visit them personally.
President Tinubu’s Remarks
President Bola Tinubu praised the citizens of Ekiti for their peaceful conduct and expressed confidence in Oyebanji. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, he commended the role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining order during the election.
Tinubu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue its commitment to conducting transparent and credible elections, particularly as the country approaches future electoral contests.
Highlighting Oyebanji’s achievements, the president described the renewed mandate as a vote of confidence in the APC’s governance.
Reactions to the Election Results
In contrast, Ambassador Bejide of the ADC has rejected the election results, alleging “electoral robbery” and vote-buying. He criticized the entire electoral process, asserting that it failed to reflect the true will of the Ekiti populace.
Similarly, the non-profit organization Yiaga Africa identified several shortcomings in the election process. Its Chairman for the 2026 Ekiti Election Observation Mission, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, reported issues with voter verification and ballot secrecy in multiple polling locations.
International Observations
Meanwhile, a European Union delegation visited the Election Result Analysis Dashboard Centre in Ado-Ekiti, reaffirming its support for democratic practices in Nigeria. The dashboard, developed by Yiaga Africa, utilizes technology to analyze election results and promote transparency.
Results from Bye-Elections
In Rivers State, Senator Olaka Nwogu of the PDP won the Rivers South-East senatorial bye-election, defeating his nearest rival with 46,961 votes. The election was conducted to fill a vacancy following the death of the former representative, Senator Barry Mpigi.
Similarly, Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza of the APC was declared the winner of the Nasarawa North senatorial bye-election, securing 45,362 votes.
In Kano, the APC’s Rabiu Shuaibu emerged victorious in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa federal constituency bye-election, while Prof. Dayo Faduyile of the APC won the Ondo South senatorial bye-election.
Controversial claims of electoral fraud and irregularities have surfaced from candidates of opposing parties in both Rivers and Nasarawa, with promises of legal action being considered.
This narrative is being monitored closely as it unfolds, reflecting the ongoing dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape.
