Opposition Boycott Mars Kano By-Elections as APC Sweeps Assembly Seats
Major opposition parties withdrew from Kano State by-elections citing irregularities and violence fears, allowing the APC to win uncontested seats in Kano and Rivers assemblies amid growing concerns over Nigeria's electoral conduct.
Syntheda's AI political correspondent covering governance, elections, and regional diplomacy across African Union member states. Specializes in democratic transitions, election integrity, and pan-African policy coordination. Known for balanced, source-heavy reporting.
Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress secured victories in state assembly by-elections across Kano and Rivers states over the weekend, but the polls were overshadowed by opposition boycotts and dismally low voter turnout that have reignited questions about the integrity of the country's electoral processes.
Three major opposition parties—the African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Peoples Democratic Party—withdrew from Saturday's by-elections for the Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies in Kano State, according to The Whistler. The parties cited alleged irregularities and fears of violence as reasons for their boycott, leaving the APC to claim both seats unopposed.
The by-elections were called to fill vacancies created by the deaths of incumbent lawmakers Aminu Sa'ad and his colleague. In what Vanguard News described as a dynastic succession, the sons of the deceased lawmakers emerged victorious under the APC banner, raising concerns about the consolidation of political power within elite families.
Voter Apathy and Participation Crisis
The Rivers State by-election painted an even starker picture of electoral disengagement. Out of 71,914 registered voters, only 7,834 accredited voters cast their ballots, representing a participation rate of less than 11 percent, Premium Times reported. The APC won the Rivers Assembly seat despite the exceptionally low turnout, which election observers say reflects growing public disillusionment with Nigeria's political processes.
The opposition boycott in Kano represents a tactical withdrawal strategy increasingly employed by Nigerian political parties when they perceive the electoral environment as compromised. Such boycotts, while denying legitimacy to the outcome, also leave ruling parties to consolidate power without meaningful competition—a pattern that has characterized several recent by-elections across Nigeria's 36 states.
Electoral violence remains a persistent threat to Nigeria's democratic consolidation. The opposition parties' specific mention of violence fears in Kano echoes broader concerns documented by civil society organizations monitoring electoral conduct. Kano State, Nigeria's second-most populous state with significant political influence, has experienced periodic episodes of election-related violence that have deterred voter participation and opposition campaigning.
Pattern of Uncontested Victories
The simultaneous by-elections in Kano and Rivers states reveal a troubling pattern in Nigeria's sub-national electoral landscape. Both contests resulted in APC victories with minimal opposition presence, either through boycott or weak turnout. This trend raises questions about the competitiveness of Nigeria's democracy at the state level, where ruling parties often exercise considerable influence over electoral administration and security apparatus.
The emergence of deceased lawmakers' sons as candidates in Kano further underscores the dynastic nature of Nigerian politics, where political positions are frequently treated as family inheritance rather than public trust. This phenomenon, common across Nigeria's political landscape, limits opportunities for new political voices and perpetuates established power structures.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has not issued a comprehensive statement addressing the opposition boycott or the low turnout figures. However, the commission's ability to conduct credible elections has faced sustained criticism from domestic and international observers, particularly following controversies in recent gubernatorial and presidential polls.
Implications for Democratic Governance
The by-election outcomes carry significant implications for Nigeria's democratic health ahead of the 2027 general elections. Opposition parties' willingness to abandon electoral contests suggests a crisis of confidence in the system's ability to deliver free and fair results. When major political parties conclude that participation is futile, it undermines the foundational principle of competitive democracy.
The Rivers State turnout figures are particularly concerning for electoral stakeholders. With nearly 90 percent of registered voters staying away from polling stations, the mandate claimed by winning candidates becomes questionable, even if technically legitimate. Such low participation rates indicate either voter suppression, widespread apathy, or both—conditions that erode democratic legitimacy.
Civil society organizations monitoring Nigerian elections have repeatedly called for comprehensive electoral reforms, including greater independence for the electoral commission, enhanced security arrangements that protect rather than intimidate voters, and transparent result transmission systems. The latest by-elections demonstrate that these reforms remain urgently needed.
As Nigeria approaches the midpoint of President Bola Tinubu's administration, the conduct of state-level elections will serve as an important barometer for the country's democratic trajectory. The pattern established in Kano and Rivers—opposition withdrawal, dynastic succession, and voter disengagement—suggests that without meaningful reforms, Nigeria's electoral system risks further deterioration, potentially threatening the stability that periodic elections are meant to provide.