Tinubu Hails Peaceful and Credible Bye-Elections
Nigerians went to the polls on Saturday, August 16, in by-elections across 16 constituencies in 13 states, and the results have already brought about both celebrations and controversies. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the outcome, describing the exercise as peaceful, credible, and a victory for democracy. But while the President praised the process and his party’s performance, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) sharply disagreed, faulting the conduct and calling for urgent reforms.
APC Secures Majority of Seats Across 13 States
On Sunday, Tinubu congratulated the winners and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victories in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) picked up two seats, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) clinched one.
What the Results Mean for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
The President highlighted the APC’s strong showing, crediting unity within the party and the leadership of its new national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. He described the victory as proof of what can be achieved when popular candidates are fielded and party members rally behind a common purpose. He stated, “Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu also reassured Nigerians that his administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda remains on course. “Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said. The President thanked party members and voters for the confidence reposed in the APC and commended INEC for what he described as hitch-free elections devoid of violence. He further urged all parties and candidates to embrace sportsmanship, fairness, and magnanimity in the spirit of democracy.
ADC Rejects Outcome, Alleges Vote Buying and Violence
However, the ADC offered a much darker account of the same elections. In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the polls were riddled with irregularities, violence, and vote buying.
ADC claimed that in some states nearly 300 thugs armed with weapons were arrested, while in others polling units were cancelled due to ballot box snatching and voter intimidation. The party also pointed to the arrest of a vote-buyer allegedly caught with ₦25.9 million as evidence of widespread malpractice. Abdullahi stated, “If INEC cannot guarantee the integrity of a by-election, then Nigerians are right to question its institutional capacity and all-round readiness for a general election.”
Calls for Electoral Reforms Amid Rising Concerns
The ADC called on INEC to investigate the irregularities, sanction compromised officials, and restore public confidence in the electoral process. It also urged civil society groups, faith leaders, and the international community not to ignore what it described as a slide into “electoral banditry.”
Despite ADC’s criticism, the President remains upbeat, framing the APC’s success as a signal of Nigerians’ faith in his leadership and the party’s vision. For Tinubu, Saturday’s by-elections is an important victory, not just for his party but for stability in the country.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read more informative posts, also check us out on Instagram for fun and engaging content.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
