The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared winners in three senatorial by-elections across Enugu, Rivers, and Nasarawa states, reshaping political control in key districts.
The elections, held on Saturday and concluded on Sunday, filled vacant seats following deaths and political realignments in the affected constituencies.
Results announced by returning officers confirmed victories for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In Enugu North Senatorial District, INEC declared APC candidate Ikeje Asogwa winner after collation at Nsukka.
Returning Officer Prof. Christian Ezeibe announced that Asogwa polled 162,360 votes.
His closest rival, PDP’s Dr. Nestor Ezeme, secured 9,299 votes across the six local government areas.
The wide margin reflects a decisive shift in voter preference in a district historically influenced by the PDP.
APC Secures Enugu And Nasarawa Seats
The Enugu result gives the APC a significant foothold in the South-East, where it has struggled for dominance in past elections.
Reacting, campaign spokesman Samson Ezea described the outcome as a reflection of strong grassroots support.
He said, “a clear reflection of the widespread support enjoyed by the APC candidate across the six local government areas.”
Meanwhile, in Nasarawa North, APC candidate Halilu Danladi Envulanza also secured victory.
He polled 45,362 votes to defeat Labour Party’s Labaran Maku, who got 12,931 votes.
PDP candidate Emmanuel Ombugadu received 11,570 votes, while other parties trailed behind.
The Nasarawa outcome strengthens APC’s influence in the North-Central region, where competition has intensified in recent cycles.
PDP Retains Rivers Seat In Strong Contest
In Rivers South East Senatorial District, PDP candidate Olaka Nwogu emerged winner with 46,961 votes.
INEC Returning Officer Prof. Rosemary Ogu announced the result at the collation centre in Bori.
She said, “Nwogu Olaka Johnson of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
APC candidate Osarokaka Erewari scored 1,647 votes, while other parties recorded lower figures.
The by-election was conducted to fill the seat left vacant after the death of Senator Barry Mpigi in February 2026.
Nwogu, a political ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, maintained PDP’s hold in the district.
INEC Addresses BVAS Concerns During Polls
INEC also responded to reports of technical issues involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the elections.
Officials said backup devices were deployed across all affected areas to prevent disruptions.
Geraldine Ekelemo, head of voter education in Rivers State, explained the contingency measures.
She said, “INEC was proactive in ensuring that backup BVAS were supplied and distributed to each of these LGAs.”
She added that technical teams resolved issues quickly without affecting the overall process.
The INEC said the elections met legal requirements despite minor operational challenges.
With results now declared, attention is shifting to political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The outcomes are expected to influence party strategies, alliances, and voter mobilisation across regions.
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