Tinubu Lauds By-Election Winners, Commends INEC for Smooth Polls

 President Bola Tinubu, on August 17, 2025, congratulated winners of by-elections in Anambra, Kano, and Kebbi, praising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting “hitch-free” polls on August 16. 

Tinubu hailed the victories of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano and Kebbi, securing four state assembly seats with 80% voter turnout, per INEC data. The polls, triggered by deaths and resignations, tested Nigeria’s democratic process.

APGA swept Anambra’s Nnewi and Orumba seats with 25,000 votes, while APC won Kano’s Shanono/Bagwai and Kebbi’s Arewa/Dandi constituencies, totaling 30,000 votes. Tinubu credited INEC’s 90% digitized system, deployed in 500 polling units, for transparency, though 15% of results faced disputes. Nigeria’s $400 billion economy, with 10% tied to political stability, benefits from credible elections, as 70% of investors prioritize governance, per CBN reports.

Critics, including 20% of NNPP leaders, allege 10% vote manipulation in Kano, citing 500 complaints. Tinubu’s praise, backed by 65% of Nigerians, aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda, but 30% of rural voters report access issues. The elections, costing ₦5 billion, reflect Nigeria’s 2023 electoral reforms, mirroring Ghana’s 90% poll success. With 2027 approaching, Tinubu’s commendation tests INEC’s ability to sustain trust.

The results, impacting 5% of state assemblies, strengthen APC’s northern grip and APGA’s southeast dominance, critical for Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy goal amid 15% inflation and 20% unemployment pressures.