APC TIGHTENS SENATE GRIP WITH 88 SEATS AFTER BY-ELECTIONS

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has further strengthened its dominance in the Nigerian Senate, securing 88 seats following the conclusion of recent by-elections across several states.

The party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, announced the updated numbers on Friday, describing the outcome as a clear endorsement of the APC’s leadership and policies by the Nigerian people. The APC now controls a comfortable majority in the upper chamber, significantly reducing the influence of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“These by-election victories demonstrate the confidence Nigerians have in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The APC remains the party of choice for the majority of Nigerians,” Ganduje stated.

The by-elections, which were held to fill vacant seats due to deaths, resignations, and court rulings, saw the APC clinch most of the contested positions. Party leaders attributed the success to effective grassroots mobilisation, strong candidate selection, and the positive impact of government programmes on citizens.

The PDP, however, described the results as manipulated and vowed to challenge some outcomes in court. The opposition party’s National Publicity Secretary said the APC used state resources to influence voters, a claim the ruling party dismissed as baseless.

Political analysts believe the APC’s increased Senate majority will make it easier for the executive to push through key legislative agendas, including economic reforms, security bills, and constitutional amendments. The development is also expected to shift the balance of power in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With 88 seats, the APC now enjoys a wider margin that could help fast-track the passage of executive bills and reduce legislative gridlock. The party has pledged to use its enhanced position to deliver more dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the APC’s strengthened grip on the Senate is being viewed as a strategic advantage that could shape the direction of governance in the remaining years of the current administration.