Since President Bola Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, governorship elections have been held in five states in Nigeria, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing victory in four of them.
For those who are not familiar with Nigeria’s electoral process, some states hold gubernatorial elections outside of the general election schedule due to special circumstances.
This article explores the origins of these off-cycle elections and highlights recent polling results.
What is an off-cycle election?
Off-cycle elections in Nigeria are held outside the schedule of general elections held every four years, which include presidential, national, gubernatorial and state legislature elections.
However, certain states conduct their own gubernatorial elections due to legal disputes or election court decisions.
States such as Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra, Imo, Osun, Ondo, Edo and Ekiti have become off-cycle election states following legal challenges to change their election schedules.
Origin of off-cycle elections
In 1999, Nigeria returned to democracy and held mass elections in all states. Post-election disputes resulted in court decisions invalidating the results in certain states, resulting in new elections. This trend has led to the establishment of off-cycle elections in several states.
The main examples are:
Anambra State: Peter Obi won in court in 2006 and the electoral cycle was reset.
Bayelsa State: A 2008 court ruling annulled Timipre Silva’s first victory.
Edo State: Adams Oshiomhole was declared the winner by the court in 2008.
Ekiti State: A 2010 judgment annulled Segun Oni’s governorship.
Imo State: The Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment declared Hope Uzodinma the winner.
recent gubernatorial elections
Five states have held elections since Tinubu took office. The results are below.
1. Bayelsa State:
Winner: Douye Diri (PDP), 175,196 votes.
Runner-up: Timipre Silva (APC) 110,108 votes.
Labor candidate: Udengus Eladiri secured 905 votes.
2. Kogi status:
Winner: Ahmed Ododo (APC), 446,237 votes.
Runner-up: Murtala Yakub (SDP), 259,052 votes.
3rd place: Dino Melaye (PDP), 46,362 votes.
3. Imo State:
Winner: Hope Uzodinma (APC), 540,308 votes.
Runner-up: Samuel Anyanwu (PDP) 71,503 votes.
Labor Party candidate: Ahsan Achonu received 64,081 votes.
4. Edo State (2024):
Winner: Monday Okpebholo (APC), 291,667 votes.
Runner-up: Asue Ighodaro (PDP), 247,274 votes.
Labor candidate: Olumide Akpata received 22,763 votes.
5. Ondo State (2024):
Winner: Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC), 366,781 votes.
Runner-up: Agboola Ajayi (PDP), 117,845 votes.
Labor Party candidate: Olorunfemi Ayodele also joined the election campaign.
Off-cycle elections continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, influencing state-specific political dynamics while ensuring electoral justice.
As these states move forward with new leadership, the APC is consolidating its dominance, reflecting the party’s growing influence under President Tinubu’s administration.
