In a surprising twist in Nigeria’s political landscape, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the recently concluded State Assembly bye-elections in Adamawa and Taraba, both traditionally strongholds of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the APC candidates victorious after the collation of results from the affected constituencies, where seats became vacant due to the death and resignation of previous lawmakers.
In Adamawa State, Misa Musa Jauro, the APC candidate for Gannye constituency, edged out his PDP rival with 15,823 votes against 15,794 votes, a razor-thin margin of just 129 votes.
The result was officially announced in Yola on Sunday by the Returning Officer, Professor Tukur Ahmed.
Similarly, in Taraba State, APC’s Abner Shittu won the bye-election in Karim 1 constituency, defeating his PDP challenger by a comfortable margin.
Election observers reported that the polls were conducted peacefully with moderate voter turnout across both states.
Reacting to the results, the APC hailed the victories as a reflection of growing public trust in the party’s leadership and governance agenda. The party also credited its success to effective grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement.
INEC, on its part, commended voters and stakeholders for their orderly conduct and reaffirmed its dedication to free, fair, and credible elections nationwide.
However, the outcome has sparked political debate and reflection. Speaking with *The Guardian*, some political analysts described the APC’s win in Taraba’s Karim 1 constituency as a wake-up call for the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The APC’s victory, small as it may appear, is a loud warning for the PDP,” said one analyst. “It shows that politics is no longer about assumed loyalty; it’s about groundwork, strategy, and connecting with the people.”
Analysts pointed out that the APC’s triumph was not accidental, but the result of consistent mobilisation, capitalising on the PDP’s internal weaknesses and overconfidence.
They warned that unless the PDP urgently restructures, reconciles internal divisions, and reconnects with its grassroots base, the APC may continue gaining ground in regions previously considered safe for the opposition.
“Karim 1 should not be viewed as just a bye-election,” another observer noted. “It’s a mirror reflecting the mood of the electorate. Voter loyalty is no longer guaranteed. If the PDP truly wants to stay relevant, it must act, and fast.”
With these bye-election victories, the APC, as noticed by *The Guardian*, has not only strengthened its legislative presence in Adamawa and Taraba but also sent a clear message ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle: no political territory is untouchable.
