Rerun: APC Secures Victories in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo Despite Election Challenges

In a series of re-run and bye-elections held to fill 57 legislative vacancies across 26 states in Nigeria, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victories in Lagos, Oyo, and Ondo, while also leading in Yobe. However, the polls were marred by apathy, irregularities, and violence in some areas.

The victories for the APC included Fuad Laguda in Surulere Federal Constituency I (Lagos), Shittu Ibrahim in Saki West State Constituency (Oyo), and Ife Ehindero in Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency (Ondo).

Despite the success, the elections were not without challenges. Reports of missing election materials, invasion by thugs, attacks on electoral officers, and pre-filled election result sheets raised concerns. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to suspend polls in 20 polling units across three states.

In Bayelsa State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) emerged victorious in the Yenagoa Constituency II re-run election, with Amakoromo Waikumo claiming the seat.

The election in Plateau witnessed a hostage situation, with a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and two other INEC ad-hoc staff held captive due to alleged discrepancies in sensitive materials.

Security agencies were active in maintaining order, arresting thugs attempting to disrupt the polls in Plateau, Kano, and other states. In Akwa Ibom, late commencement of voting and election material hijacking by hoodlums affected the exercise in certain constituencies.

While the APC and PDP disagreed over the credibility of the exercise in Ebonyi, with allegations of massive vote-buying and ballot-snatching, attacks by bandits and crop-looting overshadowed the process in Katsina State.

INEC responded to disruptions by suspending re-run elections in specific constituencies, citing irregularities and the abduction of election officials. Investigations have been called for, and further measures for the affected areas will be announced after the Commission’s meeting.

In Yobe, the state Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, intercepted an 18-seater bus carrying political thugs heading to Damaturu to disrupt the electoral process. The Yobe East Senatorial by-election, however, proceeded amid tight security.

Despite challenges, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters in the senatorial by-election. Meanwhile, violence and bandit attacks cast a shadow over the rerun elections in Katsina, with reports of fatalities and stolen produce.

In Kano, the state Police Command arrested dozens of thugs allegedly hired to disrupt the rerun election, with the Commissioner of Police disclosing that the suspects claimed to be hired by a politician contesting in the election.

Amidst allegations of massive voter intimidation in Borno, the APC expressed optimism about victory, while the PDP decried the intimidation, blaming compromised security agencies.