PDP Stuns Defence Minister in Polling Unit, But APC Retains Jigawa By-Election Seat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pulled off a symbolic upset in Jigawa State, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polling unit of the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, during Saturday’s Babura/Garki Federal Constituency by-election.
At Polling Unit 001, Kofar Arewa Primary School, Babura, where the minister personally voted, PDP secured 308 votes, leaving the APC trailing with just 112 votes. The outcome was greeted with excitement among PDP supporters, who described the result as a sign of waning influence for the former Jigawa governor in his own backyard.
However, the initial celebrations by the opposition were short-lived. When votes were collated across the constituency, the APC bounced back strongly to retain the parliamentary seat.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mukhtar Rabi’u of the APC winner, after he polled 38,449 votes, against the PDP’s 13,519 votes, while the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) finished third with 2,931 votes.
By-Election Background
The Babura/Garki seat became vacant following the death of Hon. Isa Dogonyaro, an APC lawmaker who had represented the constituency in the House of Representatives. Saturday’s by-election was therefore held to fill the vacant position.
Voting commenced at about 9:30 a.m. across various polling units in Babura and Garki local government areas. Security agencies, including the military, police, and civil defence, mounted heavy presence to ensure order throughout the exercise. Reports indicated that the process was largely peaceful, though voter turnout varied from unit to unit.
The Defence Minister arrived at his polling unit earlier in the day, cast his vote under close security watch, and quietly departed without addressing the press.
Political Significance
While the APC comfortably retained the seat, the PDP’s victory in Badaru’s own polling unit has been interpreted as politically significant. Analysts suggest it reflects pockets of voter discontent in areas traditionally dominated by the APC, particularly within the minister’s home constituency.
“This is not just about numbers; it is about symbolism. For the PDP, winning Badaru’s polling unit is a morale booster, even though they lost the overall election,” a political commentator noted.
For the APC, however, the wide margin of victory across the constituency reinforces its continued dominance in Jigawa and much of the North-West. Party loyalists have downplayed the minister’s local setback, insisting that the result demonstrates the APC’s grassroots strength in the region.
National Context
The Jigawa by-election was one of several conducted by INEC on August 16, 2025, across 12 states of the federation. The contests, seen as a mini-test of political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, produced mixed fortunes for both leading parties.
While the APC consolidated in some constituencies, the PDP made gains in others, underscoring the shifting dynamics in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
