Since President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, gubernatorial elections have been conducted in five Nigerian states, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing victories in four of them.
For those unfamiliar with Nigeria’s electoral process, some states conduct gubernatorial elections outside the general election timeline due to unique circumstances.
This article delves into the origins of these off-cycle elections and highlights the outcomes of recent polls.
What Are Off-Cycle Elections?
Off-cycle elections in Nigeria occur outside the general election schedule, which takes place every four years and includes Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial, and State House of Assembly elections.
However, certain states hold gubernatorial elections independently due to legal disputes or election tribunal rulings.
States like Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra, Imo, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti became off-cycle electoral states following legal challenges that altered their election timelines.
Origins of Off-Cycle Elections
In 1999, Nigeria returned to democracy, holding simultaneous elections across all states. Post-election disputes led to tribunal rulings that annulled results in certain states, resulting in re-elections. This trend established off-cycle elections in several states.
Key examples include:
Anambra State: Peter Obi’s tribunal victory in 2006 reset the election cycle.
Bayelsa State: A court ruling in 2008 annulled Timipre Sylva’s initial victory.
Edo State: Adams Oshiomhole was declared winner by a tribunal in 2008.
Ekiti State: A 2010 ruling nullified Segun Oni’s governorship.
Imo State: The Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment declared Hope Uzodinma the winner.
Recent Gubernatorial Elections
Since Tinubu’s inauguration, five states have conducted elections. Below are the outcomes:
1. Bayelsa State:
Winner: Douye Diri (PDP) with 175,196 votes.
Runner-Up: Timipre Sylva (APC) with 110,108 votes.
Labour Party Candidate: Udengs Eradiri secured 905 votes.
2. Kogi State:
Winner: Ahmed Ododo (APC) with 446,237 votes.
Runner-Up: Murtala Yakubu (SDP) with 259,052 votes.
Third Place: Dino Melaye (PDP) with 46,362 votes.
3. Imo State:
Winner: Hope Uzodinma (APC) with 540,308 votes.
Runner-Up: Samuel Anyanwu (PDP) with 71,503 votes.
Labour Party Candidate: Athan Achonu garnered 64,081 votes.
4. Edo State (2024):
Winner: Monday Okpebholo (APC) with 291,667 votes.
Runner-Up: Asue Ighodalo (PDP) with 247,274 votes.
Labour Party Candidate: Olumide Akpata secured 22,763 votes.
5. Ondo State (2024):
Winner: Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC) with 366,781 votes.
Runner-Up: Agboola Ajayi (PDP) with 117,845 votes.
Labour Party Candidate: Olorunfemi Ayodele was also in the race.
Off-cycle elections continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, ensuring electoral justice while influencing state-specific political dynamics.
As these states proceed with their new leadership, the APC solidifies its dominance, reflecting the party’s growing influence under President Tinubu’s administration.