The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted by the coalition of opposition leaders plotting to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, has vowed to secure a significant share of seats in today’s nationwide by-elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting the polls across 16 constituencies in 12 states. A total of 637 candidates from 17 political parties are contesting for 68 legislative positions.
Two senatorial seats—Edo Central and Anambra South—will be filled, while elections will also hold in five federal constituencies across Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States. Additionally, nine state constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara are up for grabs.
In Enugu and Kano States, fresh elections will be conducted in Enugu South I and Ghari/Tsanyawa State constituencies, following court-ordered re-runs.
Most of the vacancies arose from deaths of lawmakers, election litigations, and resignations. The Edo Central seat became vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo resigned, having been elected governor.
ADC’s big test
The by-election represents the first electoral test for the ADC since its adoption as the political platform for the coalition of opposition leaders.
Prominent figures including Interim National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, have all been campaigning vigorously for ADC candidates.
Analysts note that the outcome of the polls could serve as a barometer of the ADC’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi stirs controversy in Anambra
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, sparked controversy when he was seen campaigning for the ADC candidate in the Onitsha North I House of Assembly by-election, despite insisting on his loyalty to LP.
LP’s Anambra State Chairman, Hon. Emeh Ugochukwu Emmanuel, attributed Obi’s decision to INEC’s handling of ballot details. He explained that the ADC candidate was originally an LP member, fielded under ADC following technical disputes, and described her candidacy as “a compensation” for her late husband, who was murdered.
El-Rufai campaigns in Kaduna
Former Kaduna governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, also campaigned for ADC’s Alex Adamu in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency. The move drew mixed reactions, with critics accusing him of sidelining his own Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidates.
El-Rufai later clarified via social media that he remained committed to SDP candidates in other constituencies, even as he canvassed support for ADC under the opposition alliance.
Security concerns loom
Security fears hang over the elections, particularly in Anambra and Kaduna States, where gunmen and bandits have continued to unleash violence.
A security source expressed concerns that fear of attacks could lead to voter apathy, potentially giving room for electoral malpractice.
To counter these threats, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of senior officers nationwide. Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police are leading state operations, supported by tactical units including the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department.
