APC Records Landslide Victory in Zaria-Kewaye By-Election
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a resounding victory in the Zaria-Kewaye State Constituency by-election held on Saturday, further cementing its political dominance in Kaduna State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Isa Haruna Mohammed (popularly known as Ihamo) as the duly elected candidate after he polled an overwhelming 26,613 votes, leaving his closest challengers far behind.
His nearest rival, Nuhu Sada Abdullahi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), scored 5,721 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mahmuda Abdullahi Wappa, managed 5,331 votes. Other parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), failed to make any impact in the contest.
The election, which attracted attention due to its competitive nature, was described as peaceful and transparent by observers. Security agencies maintained a strong presence at polling units, ensuring that the process was orderly and largely devoid of disruptions. INEC officials also commended voters in Zaria-Kewaye for their high turnout and commitment to due process.
Beyond Zaria-Kewaye, the APC extended its winning streak in Kaduna by clinching additional victories. In the Basawa State Constituency, the party’s candidate garnered 10,926 votes, defeating the PDP’s 5,499 votes. Similarly, at the federal level, APC’s Felix Bagudu emerged victorious in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, polling 34,580 votes against the PDP’s 11,491 votes.
These wins contributed to the APC’s impressive performance nationwide, as the ruling party captured 12 out of the 16 legislative seats contested in Saturday’s by-elections across multiple states.
Political analysts have interpreted the outcome in Zaria-Kewaye as a clear expression of confidence in the APC’s governance both in Kaduna State and at the federal level under President Bola Tinubu. The margin of victory—over 20,000 votes—was seen as a demonstration of strong grassroots support and effective campaign mobilization.
Supporters of the APC celebrated across Zaria following the announcement, describing Mohammed’s victory as a “renewed mandate for development and continuity.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties, particularly the PDP and SDP, have vowed to reassess their strategies in the state ahead of future elections.
With this result, the APC has not only tightened its grip on the Kaduna State House of Assembly but also expanded its influence at the federal legislative level, a development likely to shape the state’s political landscape in the months to come.
