Politics

Opposition Weakens as Another Governor Eyes APC Move

Published

1 hour ago

February 22, 2026

Opposition Weakens as Another Governor Eyes APC Move

A new wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, with reports that another sitting governor may soon switch allegiance to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts say these moves are strengthening APC’s dominance while raising concerns about the weakening of opposition parties and the future of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

Since May 29, 2023, when governors elected in the general elections were sworn in, the PDP controlled 11 states, cementing its position as the main opposition party. However, successive defections to APC and other parties have dramatically reduced the PDP’s influence, leaving it with just four serving governors — Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). Sources indicate that one of the remaining governors may soon defect to a more viable political platform, highlighting the party’s internal challenges and growing political vulnerability.

Observers attribute the ongoing defections to a mix of internal party crises, leadership tussles, and political survival strategies. Analysts note that the opposition parties’ repeated factional disputes, poor funding, and leadership conflicts have created openings for APC to consolidate power at both state and federal levels. While some argue that defections are a constitutional right and part of democratic choice, critics warn that the trend could erode checks and balances by weakening opposition parties.

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Leaders of smaller opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), say the defection wave is largely self-inflicted, resulting from internal squabbles rather than pressure from the ruling APC. Comrade Oginni Sunday, NNPP National Secretary in Ogun State, argued that the collapse of party cohesion within the PDP, LP, and NNPP has made defection a rational choice for political survival and access to federal resources.

Former local government officials and political commentators describe the mass defections as both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigerian democracy. While they acknowledge that the trend strengthens the ruling party, they caution that frequent cross-carpeting could undermine institutional stability, weaken legislative opposition, and reduce accountability.

The reported impending defection comes amid a broader pattern of political realignment, following high-profile defections in previous election cycles. Analysts say such moves are likely motivated by strategic calculations, alignment with federal policies, and preparation for the 2027 general elections. With the APC gaining more governors and lawmakers, the party is increasingly seen as the dominant force in several regions, while the remaining opposition parties scramble to reorganize and maintain relevance.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 polls, the political stakes remain high. Observers stress that the future of multiparty democracy hinges on whether opposition parties can resolve internal conflicts, strengthen cohesion, and present credible alternatives to the ruling party. The potential defection of another sitting governor underscores the ongoing realignment of power across Nigeria’s states and the critical role of political strategy in shaping the nation’s democratic trajectory.

Opposition Weakens as Another Governor Eyes APC Move

Politics

APC Wins Rivers Ahoada East State Constituency II Bye‑Election

Published

1 hour ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe

APC Wins Rivers Ahoada East State Constituency II Bye‑Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in the Rivers State Ahoada East State Constituency II bye‑election, strengthening its presence in the state legislature. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Ukalikpe Napoleon of APC secured the seat after the collation of results from all voting areas on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Returning Officer Prof. Rosemary Ogbo confirmed that the election was peaceful, transparent, and conducted in accordance with electoral laws. She stated that Napoleon met all constitutional and electoral requirements, scoring the highest number of valid votes and was therefore duly elected to represent Ahoada East State Constituency II in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to official figures, Napoleon polled 3,980 votes, while his closest rival, Ego Marvelous of the Action Alliance (AA), scored 33 votes. Other contenders included Godstime Egor (Action Party of Nigeria) with 38 votes, Oseja Clifford (Boot Party) with 11 votes, Ephraim Raphael Ede (New Nigeria Peoples Party) and Ogide Samson Greatman (Young Progressives Party), each with seven votes, and Kwodu Saturday Prosper (Zenith Labour Party), who received six votes.

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Election officials described the bye‑poll as largely peaceful, with security agencies deployed across major polling units. Observers noted low voter turnout in some areas, but overall, voting and accreditation proceeded without significant disruption. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, also confirmed the orderly conduct of the bye‑election.

The bye-election was necessitated by the vacancy in the Rivers State House of Assembly following the departure of the former lawmaker representing the constituency. Napoleon’s victory is part of a broader trend in which APC is consolidating its position in the Rivers State legislature, alongside other recent bye-election wins, including Khana State Constituency II, further bolstering the party’s influence in the state.

Napoleon, speaking shortly after his declaration, thanked voters for their participation and commended INEC and security personnel for ensuring a smooth process. He encouraged citizens to remain engaged in the democratic process and promised to represent the constituency effectively in the House of Assembly.

APC Wins Rivers Ahoada East State Constituency II Bye‑Election

Politics

Breaking: INEC Declares APC’s Joshua Ishaku Winner of Bwari Chairmanship Election

Published

2 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Joshua Ishaku

Breaking: INEC Declares APC’s Joshua Ishaku Winner of Bwari Chairmanship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Bwari Area Council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The declaration was made on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after INEC concluded the ward-by-ward collation of votes cast during Saturday’s 2026 FCT area council elections. Electoral officials confirmed that the APC candidate secured the highest number of valid votes, defeating candidates of other political parties in what observers described as a keenly contested poll.

INEC officials confirmed that results were collated from all 10 wards in Bwari Area Council, including Kubwa, Dutse, Ushafa, Byazhin, Kuduru, Igu, Shere, Kawu, Usuma, and Bwari Central, before the final announcement was made. Party agents present at the collation centre acknowledged the outcome after the final tally, although detailed vote figures were still being released at the time of reporting.

Ishaku’s victory followed weeks of internal party disputes and legal challenges over the APC nomination in Bwari. The legal hurdles were resolved shortly before the election, clearing the way for his participation. Political analysts say the outcome has further strengthened the APC’s foothold in parts of the FCT, particularly in suburban councils where grassroots mobilisation played a decisive role.

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The Bwari chairmanship result is part of the wider FCT area council elections, which were conducted simultaneously across AMAC, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, and Bwari. While the APC has secured victories in some councils, opposition parties have also recorded wins in others, reflecting a competitive political landscape in Nigeria’s capital.

Observers reported generally peaceful voting across most polling units in Bwari Area Council, though voter turnout was moderate in several locations. INEC officials said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed effectively in most centres, with only minimal technical issues recorded. Security agencies were visibly deployed across strategic locations, and no major incidents were reported during voting or collation.

With the declaration concluded, attention has shifted to the issuance of Certificates of Return to elected chairmen and councillors across the FCT. The newly elected officials are expected to assume office within the statutory timeline set by the FCT administration. Analysts say the 2026 FCT area council elections are widely regarded as an early indicator of political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Breaking: INEC Declares APC’s Joshua Ishaku Winner of Bwari Chairmanship Election

Politics

FCT Poll: APC’s Maikalangu Wins AMAC Chairmanship as Collation Continues

Published

2 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu

FCT Poll: APC’s Maikalangu Wins AMAC Chairmanship as Collation Continues

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a major victory in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) as its candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, emerged winner of the AMAC chairmanship election in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council polls.

Maikalangu, the incumbent AMAC chairman, secured a decisive advantage during voting at his home polling unit on Saturday, February 21, 2026, reinforcing the APC’s strong showing in Nigeria’s capital.

At Polling Unit 004, Garki Village 2, Maikalangu polled 229 votes, defeating Paul Ogidi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who scored 15 votes, and Onyebuchi Chukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who received one vote.

Speaking shortly after casting his ballot, Maikalangu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as a smooth and efficient voting process.

“In less than three minutes, I cast my vote. Everything went well, and the process was seamless,” he said, expressing confidence in the conduct of the election.

Low Turnout Recorded at Polling Unit

Despite the APC’s dominance at the polling unit, voter turnout was relatively low. Out of 2,287 registered voters, only 252 voters participated, reflecting a broader trend of modest voter participation recorded in parts of the AMAC election.

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Collation Ongoing Across AMAC

INEC officials confirmed that ward-by-ward collation of results for the AMAC chairmanship election is underway following the conclusion of voting across multiple polling units.

Maikalangu is one of two incumbent area council chairmen seeking re-election under the APC platform in the FCT. The other is Abubakar Abdullahi, chairman of Abaji Area Council.

FCT-Wide Area Council Elections

The AMAC poll is part of the broader FCT area council elections, which include chairmanship contests in Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, all conducted simultaneously on Saturday.

While the APC has strengthened its position in AMAC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded a notable victory in Gwagwalada Area Council, where its candidate was declared winner after results from all wards were fully collated.

As results continue to emerge across the councils, political parties, observers, and residents await INEC’s final declarations ahead of the official swearing-in of newly elected chairmen later this month.