Candidates from Nigeria’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured decisive victories in weekend by-elections for legislative seats in Anambra State, solidifying the party’s influence in the southeastern region. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the outcomes on Sunday, revealing landslide wins in the Anambra South Senatorial District and the Onitsha North Constituency 1 seat in the State House of Assembly.
Emmanuel Nwachukwu, representing APGA, claimed the senatorial seat with an overwhelming 90,408 votes, dwarfing the tally of his closest rival, Azuka Okwuosa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 19,847 votes. Donald Amangbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) trailed in third place with 2,889 votes. Declaring the result in Nnewi, INEC Returning Officer Prof. Frank Ojiako emphasized Nwachukwu’s compliance with electoral guidelines, stating the candidate “satisfied the requirements of the law” to secure the mandate. The election was prompted by the July 2024 death of incumbent Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, with 12 parties contesting the August 16 polls.
In Onitsha North, APGA’s Ifeoma Azikiwe triumphed in the race for the State Assembly seat, amassing 7,774 votes against ADC candidate Justina Azuka’s 1,909 votes. APC’s Ezennia Ojekwe received 1,371 votes, while Young Progressives Party nominee Njideka Ndiwe secured 655. Prof. Ibiam Ekpe, the INEC returning officer for the constituency, praised candidates and voters for a peaceful process, noting robust voter participation. Azikiwe will fill the vacancy left by her predecessor, Justice Azuka, who was abducted and killed earlier this year. She will complete the remaining two years of the legislative term.
The twin victories underscore APGA’s enduring stronghold in Anambra, a state where the party has maintained governance since 2006. Analysts note the results reflect broader regional political dynamics, with APGA often positioned as a grassroots alternative to national parties like the APC. The elections also drew attention for their peaceful conduct amid lingering concerns over electoral security in parts of Nigeria. INEC’s efficient management of the polls, coupled with voter turnout, has been hailed as a positive signal for the country’s democratic processes.
