ADC Vows Strong Performance as INEC Holds By-Elections in 12 States

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted as the platform for a coalition of opposition leaders seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, has vowed to secure multiple seats in today’s nationwide by-elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states. Among them, two senators are expected to emerge from Edo Central and Anambra South.

Additionally, five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States, as well as nine state constituencies across Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara, will also be contested.

INEC is also holding re-run elections in Enugu South I State Constituency and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano, following court directives.

Most of the seats became vacant due to deaths, resignations, or court judgments nullifying previous results. Notably, Edo Central’s senatorial seat was vacated after Senator Monday Okpebholo’s resignation, following his election as governor.

ADC’s First Major Test

Today’s polls mark the ADC’s first electoral test since opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, rallied around the party as a coalition platform ahead of 2027.

According to political observers, the outcome of the by-elections will be crucial in measuring the strength and acceptance of the ADC as it prepares for future contests.

Obi’s Controversial Campaign in Anambra

One of the most talked-about moments ahead of the polls came from Anambra, where former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was seen campaigning for the ADC’s candidate in the Onitsha North 1 House of Assembly by-election.

Obi, a key opposition figure in the new coalition, has repeatedly affirmed loyalty to the Labour Party. However, his decision to back the ADC candidate triggered confusion within the political space.

The Labour Party’s Anambra State Chairman, Hon. Emeh Ugochukwu Emmanuel, defended Obi’s action, blaming INEC for what he described as “deception.”

He claimed the Commission inserted the LP logo on ballot papers but failed to upload candidate details. According to him, the ADC candidate in Onitsha North 1 originally sought to contest on the Labour Party platform but switched after INEC’s alleged actions.

He explained that the candidate’s husband was recently murdered, and her candidacy was a form of political compensation for the family.

El-Rufai Canvasses Support in Kaduna

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, also played a prominent role in the build-up to today’s polls.

He stormed Chikun Local Government Area to campaign for the ADC candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat, Alex Adamu.

His appearance sparked debates online, with critics accusing him of neglecting candidates of his original party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

However, El-Rufai later clarified in a social media post, urging SDP supporters in Zaria and Sabon Gari to vote for his party’s candidates while maintaining support for the ADC in other constituencies.

Security Concerns Ahead of Voting

Meanwhile, concerns over insecurity loom large, particularly in Anambra and Kaduna, where bandits and armed groups have continued to wreak havoc.

A security source told media outlets that voter turnout in Anambra might be low due to fear of attacks.

“No matter the presence of security forces, the gunmen are unpredictable. Many voters may choose to stay away, which could give room for electoral malpractice,” the source warned.

In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of senior officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police, to supervise security operations.

Units from the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department have also been deployed to ensure peaceful and credible polls.