Today’s elections across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, and Rivers states are serving as a major litmus test for the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), with political observers describing the polls as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections .
FCT: Wike’s Influence on Trial
In the FCT Area Council elections, all eyes are on Minister Nyesom Wike as he moves to deliver the nation’s capital for the APC. The ruling party’s chances received a significant boost following the withdrawal of PDP chairmanship candidates in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari, who stepped down for APC candidates after political consultations led by Wike .
The ADC is emerging as a formidable challenger, boosted by grassroots outreach including health interventions in communities. Notably, three presidential aspirants from ADC – former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi – campaigned for the party’s chairmanship candidate, Dr. Moses Paul .
However, the Labour Party’s complete exclusion from the ballot following internal leadership disputes could affect opposition vote distribution, potentially sharpening competition between APC and ADC .
Kano: NNPP vs. APC Grudge Match
The Kano State Assembly bye-elections in Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies represent a high-stakes battle between NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his estranged godson, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who recently defected from NNPP to APC .
Political analysts view these contests as a referendum on NNPP’s hold on Kano following Governor Yusuf’s defection. Nine political parties are contesting, with INEC imposing an 18-hour curfew in the two local government areas to ensure peaceful conduct .
Rivers: APC Seeks to Consolidate
In Rivers State, bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies proceed amid shifting political alliances. INEC has excluded PDP, LP, and ADC from participating over failure to meet nomination requirements, leaving APC, AA, APN, BP, NNPP, YPP, and ZLP as the only cleared parties .
The polls follow APC’s stunning victory in recent local government elections, where it won 20 of 23 councils – a result that significantly bolstered the influence of former Governor Nyesom Wike while presenting a formidable challenge to Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s PDP administration .
With over 1.5 million voters in the FCT alone and thousands of security personnel deployed, today’s outcome could reshape political alignments ahead of 2027 .
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