Governors Tighten Grip as INEC By-Elections Stir Controversy

Tension marked Saturday’s by-elections across several states, with party heavyweights consolidating influence while reports of irregularities surfaced in Anambra.

In Anambra State, observers noted that supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, avoided releasing results from the Onitsha South State Constituency, even as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, appeared to be making significant gains.

Elsewhere, governor-led parties dominated the polls. In Adamawa, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s PDP reportedly outperformed Atiku Abubakar, Aishatu Binani, and Babachir Lawal. In Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde’s PDP maintained an edge over former Minister Rauf Aregbesola, while in Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani’s APC continued to assert authority. In Edo, APC candidate Monday Okpebholo tightened the contest against the influence of Tom Ikimi, Oserheimen Osunbor, and John Odigie-Oyegun. In Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s NNPP secured a decisive lead.

A notable twist came in Rivers State, where no by-election was scheduled, a development seen as a relief to former governor Rotimi Amaechi.

However, the credibility of the polls was questioned in Anambra, where security operatives intercepted pre-thumbprinted ballot papers in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at Aguata High School, Ekwulobia.

The incident has fueled concerns of electoral malpractice in the region.

Despite pockets of resistance, results across the country suggest that governor-backed parties maintained a stronghold, leaving opposition coalitions struggling to gain ground.