By-election: ADC Seeks Breakthrough as 17 Parties, 637 Candidates Jostle for 68 Seats

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted by a coalition of opposition leaders plotting to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, is set to test its popularity in today’s nationwide by-elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting polls across 16 constituencies in 12 states to fill 68 vacant seats. The elections will produce two Senators for Edo Central and Anambra South, five members of the House of Representatives in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo, as well as nine state lawmakers in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara. Reruns are also holding in Enugu South I (Enugu) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano) constituencies following court orders.

Most of the vacancies arose from deaths, resignations, or court judgments. Notably, Edo Central became vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo resigned upon his election as governor.

ADC’s First Real Test

This by-election marks the ADC’s first outing since it became the adopted platform of the opposition bloc, led by interim chairman Senator David Mark and backed by key figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi. Political observers believe the outcome will serve as a litmus test for the party’s strength ahead of 2027.

Obi’s Anambra Dilemma

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stirred controversy when he was seen campaigning for ADC’s candidate in the Onitsha North I State Assembly by-election, despite his continued claims of loyalty to LP. LP officials in Anambra accused INEC of manipulating ballot details, forcing their preferred candidate to contest under the ADC platform.

El-Rufai in Kaduna

In Kaduna, ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai publicly campaigned for ADC’s candidate Alex Adamu in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency. His move sparked criticism for allegedly sidelining SDP candidates, though he later urged voters in Zaria and Sabon Gari to back the SDP.

Security Fears

Security concerns loom large, particularly in Anambra and Kaduna, where gunmen and bandits have heightened voter fears. Analysts warn of possible voter apathy, creating