From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Last Saturday’s by-elections held in Kaduna State ended peacefully with the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) winning both the federal constituency in Chikun/Kajuru and the state constituencies in Zaria.
Observers said the results of the election proved doomsayers wrong for concluding even before the election that there would be chaos and confusion, as the opposition parties, including the coalition parties, were going to give the APC the run for its money and power.
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The twin victories further consolidated the APC’s dominance in Kaduna politics, especially in Zaria zone where the contests were largely considered a test of strength between the ruling party and the opposition.
Unfortunately, naysayers have to bite their tongues as the major opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), shot itself on the foot by confessing to distributing N30 million to its agents a few hours to the election as allowances and logistics, whereas security operatives said the money was suspected to be for vote-buying.
This incident, perhaps, unsettled the winning permutations and calculations of the PDP as its officials struggled hard to defend the actual purpose of the huge tranche of money in their possession on the eve of the election.
However, the APC exhibited strong arrangements for the elections; the security operatives were all over the place, looking orderly and proactive with civil disposition to the voters. This was in addition to the government officials moving from one polling units to another to ensure peaceful conduct of the election.
Also, during electioneering, APC officials, especially the state governor, Uba Sani, worked hard and campaigned very well for the candidate of the APC, Fidelis Bagudu, of the Chikun/ Kajuru federal constituency.
Another factor that gave APC victory in Chikun and Kajuru LGAs was the fact that the people of the areas were treated to massive infrastructural development, roads reconstruction in particular, by Governor Uba Sani. The most appreciated actions of the governor were the flag-off of the reconstruction of major roads in Ungwan Sunday and Karatudu/Romi road, a week to the election.
Apparently, Governor Uba Sani’s romance with the people of the two local government areas, who are predominantly Christians, by attending some of their religious activities, especially Christmas Carol, also contributed to the acceptance of the party.
However, some political analysts noted that the APC victory in Zaria for the state House of Assembly was largely due to sympathy votes since the former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has engaged the sitting governor, Uba Sani, in a cold war over the affairs of the state. Traditionally, the people believe that a leader should be accorded due respect, just as he is deserving of regular prayers from followers.
Political observers noted that this was the first time APC is wining the two local governments that have been the stronghold of the PDP since the return of democratic rule in 1999.
Above all, some political analysts linked the election triumph to Governor Uba Sani’s grassroots-focused governance style and people-oriented projects.
The Kaduna State Commissioner-designate for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the sweeping victory of the APC is a demonstration of Governor Uba Sani’s inclusivity in governance and spread in the growth and development of the entire state irrespective of party and religious divides.
He said that these victories showed spread of the party in non stronghold and a consolidation of the party’s political dominance in Kaduna politics, especially that the contests were largely considered a test of might between the ruling party and the opposition.
“This emphatic victory has been described by political observers as historic and symbolic, representing the breaking of a long-standing jinx in a constituency that had consistently resisted APC’s advances with this breakthrough, the party has consolidated its hold on Kaduna State, stretching its dominance into territories that were once opposition fortresses.”
Also, commenting on the outcome of the election, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Engr. Baba Ahmed, described the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election as the most credible in recent times.
Ahmed applauded INEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful and transparent process, noting that the credibility of the exercise was largely attributed to the atmosphere of stability under Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
“The Chikun/Kajuru bye-election has proven to be the most credible election we have witnessed so far. The turnout was impressive, and the process was orderly and transparent. This is a clear testimony to the sterling leadership of Governor Uba Sani, whose peace and development model has enhanced citizens’ confidence in democracy.
The poll outcome truly reflected the will of the people and would go a long way in strengthening democratic institutions in Kaduna State,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the House of Representatives’ candidates, Hon. Alexander Igoji Adanu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has congratulated the winner, saying, “I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the winner of this contest, my brother, Hon. Fidelis Joseph Bagudu. Your victory is a testament to the will of the people, and I wish you a successful tenure. To the other candidates who, like myself, put up a good fight and ran a commendable campaign, I say a big well done. The passion we all share for our constituency is what makes our democracy vibrant.
“To my incredible team members, who believed in my vision and worked tirelessly day and night, I am eternally grateful. Your unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and commitment were the pillars of this campaign. You are not just a team; you are a family, and your efforts were the driving force behind every step we took. Thank you for your belief and your tireless support”.
On his own part, the candidate of National Rescue Movement (NRM) party, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba said, “What we witnessed in this 2025 bye-election is a clear indication that Nigerians are so hungry and don’t care about their future and the future of their children. Some only care about the small money they will get on election day.
“Precisely in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency where I was a candidate for House of Representatives for the Saturday August 16, 2025 election; people didn’t care about your manifesto or campaign style, all the majority cared about is the peanuts they will get on the day of the election.
“Just imagine that this election, vote buying was completely the order of the day. If vote buying can fully determine the results of bye-elections then what will happen in the 2027 general elections? Which way Nigerians?”.
However, the Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha has said in a statement issued three days after the election that the party has rejected the outcome of the state and Federal Constituencies bye-elections, and appreciated faithful voters.
He noted that “the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the good people of Basawa, Zaria Kewaye, and Chikun/Kajuru State and Federal Constituencies respectively, for the overwhelming support shown to our party during the August 16, 2025 bye-elections. Your unwavering commitment and support will never be taken for granted.
“We also express our profound appreciation to our party stakeholders for their critical roles before, during, and after the elections. Their dedication has further strengthened the PDP and reinforced the loyalty of our teeming supporters across Kaduna State.
“We are saddened by the desperation of the failed Uba Sani-led government, evident in the gestapo and commando tactics deployed by the government and its agents, which clearly indicates that the APC is unsettled by the PDP’s mass appeal in the state. The abduction of our candidate and members of our campaign committee for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, seizure of funds meant for logistics and agents’ allowances, and massive vote buying were carried out in full public glare, showcasing the APC’s shameless disregard for democracy.
“We, therefore, reject the outcome of the elections in all three constituencies and will be meeting with our candidates, stakeholders, and legal team to determine our next course of action. In addition, the unprecedented low voter turnout is a testament to the lack of confidence in the process, exacerbated by Governor Uba Sani’s failure to conduct the 2024 local government election in the state.
“We are afraid that if this undemocratic trend continues, the problem of voter apathy will only worsen and reach a dangerous peak by 2027. We urge the good people of Kaduna State to continue trusting and supporting the PDP. We are undergoing reforms to strengthen our structures and ensure better representation for all. Together, we will restore dignity, fairness, and genuine democracy in our dear state,” the PDP added.
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