Political tensions are rising in Adamawa State, Nigeria, ahead of a pivotal legislative by-election set for August 16 in the Ganye constituency. The contest has narrowed to a direct clash between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state’s ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—ranked third in recent state elections—announced it would not field a candidate.
The APC, Nigeria’s main opposition party nationally, aims to reclaim the seat it lost when incumbent legislator Abdul Malik Musa, a party member representing Ganye in the state House of Assembly, passed away in May. In response, the APC has mobilized a dedicated Campaign Council to back its candidate, Misa Musa Jauro, signaling its determination to retain influence in the region. State Chairman Idris Shuaibu framed the effort as both a tactical move and a tribute, stating, “The loss of our esteemed member was a painful blow, but it has only strengthened our resolve to honor his legacy.”
The party’s strategy hinges on mobilizing grassroots support through its newly formed campaign team, whose role was underscored in a statement by APC State Secretary Dr. Raymond Chidama. While the PDP’s candidate remains unnamed in official reports, the ruling party holds the advantage of incumbency in a state where it has maintained control since 2019.
Notably, the ADC’s absence from the race simplifies the political landscape. State Chairman Shehu Yohanna confirmed to local media that the party, despite its growing prominence, would sit out the by-election. Analysts suggest this decision could consolidate votes around the two major parties, though voter apathy in by-elections remains a potential wildcard.
The Ganye contest comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral processes, particularly after litigation and allegations of irregularities marred recent national elections. While the Adamawa race is localized, its outcome may offer insights into shifting party loyalties and the APC’s capacity to regroup after losing federal power in 2023.
For residents of Ganye, the election represents an opportunity to address pressing local issues, from infrastructure gaps to agricultural challenges in the agrarian constituency. However, broader political narratives around party dominance and legacy-building are likely to dominate campaigning in the final days before polls open.
