The All Progressives Congress (APC) has regained control of the Ganye constituency seat in Adamawa State’s legislative assembly following a tightly contested bye-election marked by a razor-thin margin. The party’s candidate, Misa Musa Jauro, secured 16,923 votes to edge out his closest rival, Buba Muhammad Joda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 16,794 votes—a difference of 129 votes.
The seat had been vacant since 2024, when APC lawmaker Abdulmalik Musa passed away, prompting the need for a special election. Political analysts had anticipated a competitive race in the north-eastern Nigerian constituency, given the APC and PDP’s historically strong presence in the region. The outcome aligns with pre-election forecasts of a closely fought contest, underscoring the enduring rivalry between Nigeria’s two dominant political parties.
Professor Tukur Ahmed, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Returning Officer for the election, declared the results shortly before dawn on Sunday, February 18, 2024, concluding a process that drew intense scrutiny. The late-night announcement followed hours of collation and verification at polling units across the rural constituency, with observers citing peaceful conduct and moderate voter turnout.
The victory strengthens the APC’s position in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, where it now holds 25 of 32 seats. However, the narrow margin highlights persistent electoral challenges for the party in parts of the state, which has alternated between APC and PDP control in recent years. For the PDP, the result signals resilience in a region where it has sought to rebuild support after losing gubernatorial elections last year.
While neither party has formally contested the results, the slim vote differential is expected to intensify debates over electoral reforms and voter mobilization strategies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. INEC officials emphasized that the process adhered to constitutional guidelines, with no major logistical disruptions reported.
The Ganye bye-election marks the fourth such contest in Nigeria since 2023, reflecting broader trends of localized political volatility amid shifting alliances and voter demands for improved infrastructure and security. As the newly elected legislator prepares to assume office, attention turns to how the outcome might influence policy debates in Adamawa, where ongoing insurgency threats and economic pressures remain top concerns for residents.
