By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared Adamu Yakubu of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, as the winner of the by-election for the Sakwa constituency in Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Yakubu polled a total of 8,515 votes to defeat his closest rivals from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the keenly contested poll.
Announcing the result, INEC said the APM candidate secured the highest number of valid votes cast in the election.
According to the official results released by the Commission, the All Progressives Congress, APC, scored 3,771 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, came third with 2,076 votes. The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, polled 727 votes.
The breakdown shows:
APM: 8,515 votes
APC: 3,771 votes
PDP: 2,076 votes
PRP: 727 votes
With the result, Adamu Yakubu is now the duly elected member to represent Sakwa constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
The by-election for Sakwa constituency was conducted following a vacancy in the seat, and was held across polling units in Zaki Local Government Area under tight security and supervision of INEC officials, party agents and observers.
INEC described the election as largely peaceful, with voter turnout described as impressive in most polling units despite initial concerns over apathy that usually characterizes by-elections.
Reacting to the declaration, supporters of the Allied Peoples Movement erupted in jubilation in Zaki and its environs, describing the victory as a reflection of the people’s will and a rejection of the two dominant parties in the state.
The victory of the APM in Sakwa, according to political pundits, is a major upset and signals shifting political dynamics in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APM, considered a relatively small party in the state, defeated both the ruling PDP in the state and the APC, which controls the Federal Government.
Observers note that the outcome of the Sakwa by-election could serve as a wake-up call to major political parties on the need to reconnect with grassroots voters and address local issues that matter to constituents.
The Commission has, however, called on all parties and candidates to accept the outcome in good faith and to explore legal channels if they have any grievances, rather than resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, security agencies have been commended for maintaining peace and order during the exercise.
With the declaration, INEC is expected to issue a Certificate of Return to Adamu Yakubu in the coming days, paving the way for his swearing-in at the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
The victory increases the number of political parties represented in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, thereby further diversifying the composition of the legislature.
