The African Democratic Congress (ADC), now the flagship party of a coalition of major opposition figures, has declared its readiness to win multiple seats in today’s by-elections across 16 constituencies in 12 states, in what is widely seen as a litmus test for its 2027 ambitions.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats at both national and state levels.
These include two Senate seats in Edo Central and Anambra South, five House of Representatives seats, and nine State Assembly constituencies across states like Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, and Zamfara.
The ADC’s participation in the polls marks its first electoral outing since being adopted as the platform of a unified opposition movement that includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, among others. The party’s interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, has also been actively campaigning.
Political observers say the election outcomes will be a major indicator of whether the ADC-backed coalition has the potential to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Peter Obi’s surprise support for ADC candidate
One of the more controversial moments leading up to today’s elections was former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s endorsement of an ADC candidate in Anambra State’s Onitsha North 1 House of Assembly by-election.
Despite stating he remains with the LP, Obi campaigned for the ADC candidate, a widow whose husband—formerly an LP lawmaker—was killed in office. The LP’s Anambra State chairman, Hon. Emeh Ugochukwu Emmanuel, claimed Obi was misled by INEC, which allegedly failed to upload LP candidates’ details despite displaying the party’s logo on ballot papers.
“In protest, Obi chose to support the ADC candidate, who was originally meant to fly our flag,” Emmanuel explained. He added that a court has since ordered INEC to upload the LP candidate details, restoring the party’s participation in some constituencies.
El-Rufai campaigns in Kaduna amid criticism
Former Kaduna governor and SDP chieftain, Nasir El-Rufai, stirred controversy after campaigning for ADC candidate Alex Adamu in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency. Though a member of the coalition, El-Rufai faced backlash for ignoring his own SDP candidates.
In a subsequent video, he clarified that he still supports SDP candidates in other areas, notably urging voters in Zaria and Sabon Gari to back the SDP.
Security concerns in Anambra, Kaduna
Security fears loom large, particularly in states like Anambra and Kaduna, where banditry and violence by unknown gunmen have led to voter anxiety. Reports suggest potential voter apathy in these regions as residents fear election-day violence.
Despite these concerns, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed senior officers, tactical units, and specialised squads to oversee security and ensure a smooth electoral process.
INEC confirmed that most of the by-election vacancies arose from deaths, court-ordered reruns, and resignations following the last general election.
As polls open across the country, the ADC will be looking to translate the influence of its high-profile backers into electoral wins—an early test of strength ahead of 2027.
