 has secured victory in the Onitsha North I State Constituency by-election, with its candidate){kind=link}
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has secured victory in the Onitsha North I State Constituency by-election, with its candidate, Ifeoma Azikiwe, emerging winner despite a strong campaign push from former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, in support of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Ibiam Ekpe, announced the results on Sunday, declaring Azikiwe as the duly elected representative after she garnered 7,774 votes.
Her closest challenger, Justice Azuka of the ADC, received 1,909 votes, while Ezennia Ojekwe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 1,371 votes. Njideka Ndiwe of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) finished with 655 votes.
Prof. Ekpe commended both the candidates and voters for maintaining a peaceful process.
“The APGA candidate, Ifeoma Azikiwe, having met the legal requirements and obtained the highest number of votes, is hereby returned elected,” he stated.
Azikiwe’s victory means she will complete the remaining two years in office of the late lawmaker, Justice Azuka, who was abducted and later killed earlier this year.
The outcome is particularly significant as Obi had openly campaigned for the ADC candidate, urging his supporters across Anambra and other states to rally behind the party in the by-elections.
Obi, who could not field Labour Party candidates due to the party’s unresolved leadership crisis, had earlier released a statement encouraging his base to align with the ADC.
“Since INEC did not recognise any Labour Party candidates in these polls, I appeal to members of the Obidient movement and allied groups to vote ADC across the country. Our collective struggle for a better Nigeria has only just begun,” Obi said.
Saturday’s by-elections took place in 16 states, covering two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly seats.
Despite Obi’s appeal, the APGA stronghold in Anambra proved decisive, with Azikiwe claiming victory.
Her win reinforces APGA’s continued dominance in the state, even as Obi’s influence in national politics remains a key factor in shaping opposition alliances ahead of future elections.