The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State said Saturday’s by-elections across 16 federal and state constituencies delivered a resounding message of the party’s dominance.

The APC spokesman in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, said in a statement on Sunday that the results serve as a reference point for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 According to him, APC remains the party of choice for Nigerians as the 2027 general elections approach.

Mr Oladejo said the APC’s victory in 12 of the 16 contested seats consolidated its dominance and reaffirmed voters’ confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the party’s renewed direction.

He noted that the elections were the first outing since Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda assumed the APC chairmanship, describing the success as “nothing short of landmark.”

Mr Oladejo attributed the victory to performance, adding that from North to South, Nigerians had spoken clearly through the ballot box.

He said APC’s wins, including the Edo Central Senatorial Seat, House seats in Kaduna, Jigawa, Ogun, and Edo states, and assembly seats across several states, reflected appreciation for Mr Tinubu’s governance.

He stated, “In an atmosphere charged with opposition propaganda and economic challenges, the APC stood tall and unshaken.”

He noted that rather than bow under pressure, government prioritised economic stabilisation, tackling insecurity, strengthening infrastructure, and bold fiscal reforms.

Mr Oladejo said, “These by-election results are a direct endorsement of that focus.’’

According to him, though critics have questioned Mr Tinubu’s popularity, the outcome of these by-elections served as a form of referendum.

He said the results showed people’s confidence in Mr Tinubu’s leadership, policies, and long-term vision for a more prosperous Nigeria.

He stated, “The electorate, particularly in Kaduna, Adamawa, Taraba, and Edo states, rewarded the party for progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.’’ 

Mr Oladejo added that while the reforms were tough, they were beginning to yield results felt in governance, infrastructure, and national unity.

 He noted that it was a clean sweep as the Labour Party, which surged on social media in 2023, failed to win a single seat.

He said, “The African Democratic Congress also failed to register a seat, showing that media popularity has not translated into grassroots strength or sustainable political structures.’’ 

Mr Oladejo observed that the PDP, APC’s main rival, secured only one seat in Oyo, while the NNPP held onto a single constituency in Kano State.

He said such exceptions were expected, given their regional footholds.

He stated, “APGA, confined largely to the South-East, won two seats in Anambra State. But these shifts did not alter the larger picture: APC remains dominant.’’

 Mr Oladejo praised Mr Yilwatda’s leadership, noting that his strategic direction, organisational discipline, and visionary outlook contributed to the sweeping victory.

 “This is his first major outing as chairman, and the outcome reflects his grassroots engagement and national outreach,” he said.

He added that the success was not only an electoral win but also a declaration that the APC was re-energised, refocused, and ready for 2027.

Mr Oladejo said, “With APC dominance reaffirmed, the stage is set for a grand 2027 showdown. These victories are more than statistics; they symbolise the trust Nigerians have placed in Tinubu’s administration.”

He noted that Nigerians believed in the APC, the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the country’s future, despite challenges.

He said, “When 2027 comes, Nigerians will remember who stood firm in uncertainty, who led with courage, and who delivered results. Congratulations to APC members, leaders, and supporters worldwide. The journey continues, and the future looks brighter than ever. The Progressives have spoken. Nigeria is listening.’’

(NAN)