By our correspondent
Adamawa’s Ganye Local Government Constituency became the epicenter of political drama as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared results of the hotly contested State House of Assembly bye-election. In a nail-biting finish, the All Progressives Congress (APC) edged out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by a razor-thin margin of just 125 votes, reclaiming its traditional stronghold in what observers describe as one of the most suspense-filled contests of the nationwide bye-elections.
The Ganye bye-election was particularly symbolic. The seat had become vacant following the death of the late APC lawmaker, raising the stakes for both parties. At the end of a tense collation, APC secured 16,730 votes, narrowly defeating the PDP, which polled 16,605 votes.
Ward-by-Ward Breakdown: A Battle of Nerves
The contest was a true tug-of-war, with victories swinging back and forth between the two parties:
Bakari Guso Ward: PDP – 1,057 | APC – 881
Gamu Ward: APC – 1,391 | PDP – 1,034
Ganye I Ward: APC – 2,252 | PDP – 2,150
Ganye II Ward: PDP – 2,253 | APC – 2,202
Gurum Ward: APC – 1,384 | PDP – 1,328
Jaggu Ward: APC – 1,001 | PDP – 750
Sangasumi Ward: PDP – 1,790 | APC – 1,592
Sugu Ward: PDP – 1,411 | APC – 1,031
Timdore Ward: APC – 2,698 | PDP – 2,491
Yebbi Ward: PDP – 1,530 | APC – 1,491
While PDP carried five wards, APC capitalized on its traditional bastions, particularly Timdore Ward, which delivered the single highest tally of 2,698 votes and proved decisive in tilting the final outcome.
Symbolism of APC’s Victory
For APC, the win goes beyond numbers — it is a reaffirmation of its legacy in Ganye. Despite PDP’s strong showing, especially in Ganye II and Sangasumi, the ruling party’s ability to claw back victory demonstrates both its resilience and enduring grassroots structures.
The razor-thin margin highlights the intensity of the political rivalry in Adamawa South, underlining the electorate’s growing consciousness and determination to make every vote count.
“This result is not just about reclaiming a seat; it is about continuity and keeping faith with the legacy of the late lawmaker,” one APC chieftain remarked. For PDP, however, the outcome is bittersweet: proof of strength, yet a painful reminder that near victories carry no legislative weight.
APC’s Dominance Nationwide
Ganye’s drama was just a slice of a bigger political story. Saturday’s bye-elections across 12 states saw APC flex its electoral muscle, clinching 12 out of 16 seats on offer. According to INEC’s official results:
APC won all seats contested in Ogun, Edo, Niger, Kaduna, Taraba, Jigawa, Adamawa, and Kogi.
APC and NNPP shared spoils in Kano, with each winning one seat.
APGA dominated in Anambra, securing both a Senate and Assembly seat.
PDP scored a crucial win in Oyo, reclaiming Ibadan North Federal Constituency after more than a decade.
With this sweep, APC once again positioned itself as the country’s dominant political force heading into 2027, while opposition parties — PDP, Labour Party (LP), ADC, and CUPP — rejected the outcomes, alleging irregularities and warning against a repeat in the next general elections.
Tinubu Reacts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide Bayo Onanuga, congratulated all winners across party lines while hailing INEC for what he described as largely peaceful and credible polls. He also commended newly elected APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for delivering the party’s first emphatic victory under his leadership.
In Adamawa’s Ganye Constituency, the story was not just about votes but about symbolism, resilience, and legacy. A mere 129 votes restored APC’s hold on the constituency, proving once again that in politics, even the narrowest margin can redraw history. For the APC, it was a reclamation. For the PDP, it was a reminder of how close yet how far victory can be.
PIONEER NEWS 