Fidelix Bagudu of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a decisive victory in Saturday’s parliamentary by-election for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria. Official results announced Sunday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed a landslide win for Bagudu, solidifying the APC’s dominance in the region.
Prof. Abubakar Jumare, the INEC Returning Officer for the election, declared the outcome at the commission’s office in Kaduna, the state capital. Bagudu garnered 34,580 votes, dwarfing his closest challenger from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who received 11,491 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate trailed with 3,477 votes, according to the final tally. The APC’s margin of victory – 23,089 votes – underscored a significant voter preference shift in the constituency.
The by-election, conducted to fill a vacant seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, drew attention as a gauge of political momentum ahead of broader elections. Kaduna, a ethnically diverse state with a history of competitive politics, has increasingly become an APC stronghold in recent years. The ruling party’s decisive win reinforces its influence in the region, while the PDP’s diminished returns highlight ongoing challenges for Nigeria’s main opposition bloc.
INEC officials reported no major logistical disruptions during the polls, though voter turnout figures were not immediately disclosed. By-elections in Nigeria often see lower participation compared to general elections, but the Chikun/Kajuru race attracted heightened interest due to its implications for state and national political alignments.
Bagudu’s victory is expected to bolster the APC’s legislative agenda as the party seeks to consolidate power ahead of 2027 general elections. Political analysts note the result aligns with broader trends favoring incumbent parties in Nigerian by-elections, where organizational resources and visibility often tip scales in favor of established candidates.
The electoral commission’s prompt announcement of results – within 24 hours of polling – was praised by observers as a step toward reinforcing transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process. However, civil society groups have reiterated calls for enhanced voter education and security measures to address persistent apathy and logistical hurdles in some regions.
As the APC celebrates its latest electoral triumph, attention now turns to how Bagudu will address key issues in Chikun/Kajuru, including infrastructure development, security concerns, and intercommunal tensions – persistent challenges in the agriculturally significant constituency.
