ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress secured victories in five of six bye-elections held across Nigeria on Saturday, June 20, strengthening its position in legislative seats at federal and state levels, the Independent National Electoral Commission said.
APC candidates won contests in Ondo, Enugu, Kebbi, Kano and Nasarawa states, while the Peoples Democratic Party took the Rivers seat, according to results declared by INEC. The polls filled vacancies in the Senate, House of Representatives and state assemblies.
The bye-elections coincided with the Ekiti State governorship election, in which APC incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji won re-election with 319,224 votes against 40,543 for the PDP candidate and 12,872 for the ADC contender, INEC officials announced early Sunday.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described the outcomes as a strong endorsement of the party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “This is a clear vote of confidence,” he said in a statement following the results.
Details of voter turnout and exact margins in the bye-elections remained limited in initial reports, with INEC confirming the winners without releasing comprehensive figures immediately. The commission described the process as largely peaceful, though some observers noted isolated logistical issues common in Nigerian polls.
The contests addressed vacancies arising from deaths, resignations and other causes in the affected constituencies. APC’s sweep in most seats adds to its majority control in the National Assembly and several state legislatures.
PDP officials have not issued detailed reactions to the specific bye-election losses as of Tuesday, while party leaders in Rivers celebrated retaining their seat. Broader opposition parties participated but secured no wins in the reported results.
INEC officials said results were collated and announced promptly in most areas, with certificates of return to be issued in coming days. Security forces were deployed to maintain order during voting and counting.
As of Tuesday, final certified results for all six bye-elections were being processed, with APC holding a clear majority of the contested positions. The commission continued to address any outstanding petitions or complaints from losing parties.
The outcomes reflect the ruling party’s continued dominance in many parts of the country ahead of future electoral cycles.
