The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has recorded a decisive victory in the Anambra South Senatorial By-Election, with its candidate Emmanuel Nwachukwu emerging as the clear winner.

The poll, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, 16 August 2025, saw Nwachukwu clinch a landslide with 90,408 votes. His closest rival, Chief Azuka Okwuosa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 19,847 votes, a distant second.

Professor Frank Ojiako, the Returning Officer at the INEC collation centre in Nnewi, formally announced the results.

“The APGA candidate, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial By-Election,” Prof. Ojiako declared.

Other political parties trailed behind, with the Young Progressives Party (YPP) polling 6,538 votes, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2,889 votes, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managing just 68 votes.

Seat vacant after Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s death

The by-election was necessitated by the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South in the Senate until his passing in July 2024. His absence created a power vacuum in one of Anambra’s most politically significant districts.

Nwachukwu’s triumph has now been interpreted as both a consolidation of APGA’s grassroots influence and a reflection of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s performance-driven popularity.

Soludo hails ‘free and fair’ election

Reacting to the outcome, Governor Soludo praised both the process and the victor.

“I commend the conduct of the by-election, which was free and fair, and I congratulate Emmanuel Nwachukwu on his emphatic victory,” the Governor said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Political analysts suggest the outcome may serve as a litmus test for the upcoming Anambra governorship election in November 2025, which some already describe as a likely coronation for the APGA-led administration.

What this means for Anambra politics

The resounding win has sparked discussions on APGA’s tightening grip on Anambra politics, further cementing the party’s image as a homegrown force in the state.

Observers say the result could boost APGA’s confidence ahead of the November gubernatorial election, reinforcing speculation that Soludo’s re-election bid may face little resistance.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to register and obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commences the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

The registration exercise, which begins today with online pre-registration, is aimed at accommodating new voters ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti States, as well as the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on his social media page titled “PVC is the bridge to a New Nigeria,” Obi said Nigerians must take responsibility for the nation’s future.

He declared:

“The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card. Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership. I appeal to every Nigerian: Get organised and make election rigging difficult. Go out, register, collect your PVC, and hold it firmly as your bridge to a new Nigeria.”

Vote Buyers Are “Criminals in Disguise”

Obi strongly condemned vote buying, describing it as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

He warned citizens against selling their votes, stressing that politicians who engage in vote buying are only securing access to public funds for selfish purposes.

“Let us know this: those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money. When they get into that office, they will loot the funds that should have been used to build schools, hospitals or provide good jobs. Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise. They are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers, because they commit the same crime of destruction.”

He further told Nigerians that selling their votes is equivalent to selling their own future:

“To those who sell their votes, you are not just selling an election, you are selling the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty. You are selling the schools that your children should have attended, the hospitals that should save your loved ones and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life. Those who buy your vote are only buying it to make a profit from the seat of power, not to serve you.”

“A New Nigeria Starts With You”

The Labour Party chieftain insisted that only active civic participation could restore the nation’s democracy.

“Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC, and when the time comes, use it wisely. Vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Leaders who will put you first. Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought.”

Obi concluded with a rallying call:

“Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you.”

Electoral Context

INEC’s CVR exercise is a crucial step in Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly as the country prepares for both off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.

Civil society groups and election observers have repeatedly warned that low voter registration and vote buying remain key obstacles to credible elections in Nigeria.

With Obi’s call, political analysts say the spotlight will once again be on young voters, who make up the majority of Nigeria’s population, to determine whether voter participation will increase.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polling unit of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, in Jigawa State’s bye-election.

The election took place at Polling Unit 001, Babura Kofar Arewa Primary School, where voters turned out to elect a representative for the Garki-Babura federal constituency.

Official results from the unit showed the PDP polled 308 votes, while the APC managed 112 votes, delivering a symbolic victory against the minister in his political stronghold.

Minister votes under tight Security 

Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, a former governor of Jigawa State and a top APC chieftain, arrived at the polling unit under tight security. The Defence Minister, however, reportedly left the scene without speaking to journalists after casting his ballot.

Nationwide bye-elections marred by irregularities

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organised re-run and bye-elections on Saturday across at least 12 states. Reports from observers and local media indicated that while voting proceeded smoothly in some areas, the process was tainted in others by low voter turnout, isolated violence, and allegations of vote buying.

INEC has not yet released the final consolidated results for all constituencies, but the outcome from the Defence Minister’s polling unit has sparked political reactions both within Jigawa and nationally.

Political implications

The PDP’s victory in Badaru’s polling unit could be seen as a morale boost for the opposition, especially given the minister’s status as a powerful figure within the APC and a key ally of President Bola Tinubu.

Analysts say the outcome highlights growing discontent among voters in the north-western state and could have wider implications for future contests in the region.