The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted by Nigeria’s coalition of opposition leaders as their platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, is set for its first major test today as by-elections take place across the country.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting polls in 16 constituencies spanning 12 states, including two senatorial districts — Edo Central and Anambra South. Elections will also be held in five federal constituencies across Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States, as well as nine state constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara.
INEC is also conducting re-run elections in Enugu South I Constituency (Enugu State) and Ghari/Tsanyawa Constituency (Kano State), following court orders. Most of the vacancies arose from deaths, resignations, and court rulings after the last general elections.
The Edo Central senatorial seat, for instance, became vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo’s resignation to assume office as governor.
ADC’s Popularity on Trial
This by-election marks the first electoral outing for the opposition coalition since adopting ADC as its political platform. Heavyweights including Interim National Chairman Senator David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi have all rallied support for the party in recent weeks.
Analysts believe the outcome will signal how strong the ADC could be in challenging President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Obi’s Anambra Controversy
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, stirred confusion after campaigning for ADC’s candidate in the Onitsha North 1 House of Assembly by-election.
Though Obi insists he remains committed to the Labour Party, the Anambra LP chairman, Hon. Emeh Ugochukwu Emmanuel, blamed INEC for the situation. He alleged that the electoral body failed to properly list LP candidates, forcing the party to allow its aspirant — a widow seeking to replace her late husband — to run under ADC.
“INEC deceived Peter Obi… the ADC candidate in Onitsha is our candidate,” Emmanuel told DAILY POST.
El-Rufai Mobilises Kaduna Voters
Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai also joined ADC campaigns this week, storming Chikun LGA to drum support for the party’s candidate, Alex Adamu, contesting the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat.
The move drew criticism, as El-Rufai is still a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In response, he later posted a video urging voters in Zaria and Sabongari LGs to support SDP candidates, while still canvassing for ADC in Chikun.
Security Fears Cloud Elections
Concerns remain over security in Anambra, Kaduna, and other volatile states plagued by gunmen and bandit attacks. Reports suggest voter turnout may be low in parts of Anambra due to fear of violence.
A security source told DAILY POST: “No matter the presence of police and army, gunmen will still strike if they mean it. Many people may stay away, and that could open the door for rigging.”
In response, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed senior officers, tactical squads, and special units to oversee the polls and guarantee a smooth process nationwide.
Today’s by-election is expected to serve as a litmus test for both INEC’s credibility and the strength of Nigeria’s new opposition front.
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