The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Halilu Danladi Envulanza of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Nasarawa North senatorial by-election held on Saturday. The election was conducted to fill the vacant seat left by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed away on December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India after a prolonged illness.
Keenly Contested Election Among Six Parties
The by-election saw a fierce contest among six political parties: the APC, Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). According to INEC, the APC candidate polled the highest number of votes, securing a decisive victory that strengthens the party's position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Detailed Results Breakdown
INEC released the official results, showing Halilu Danladi Envulanza (APC) with 45,362 votes. Labaran Maku of the Labour Party came second with 12,931 votes, followed by Emmanuel David Ombugadu of the PDP with 11,570 votes. Alaku Mohammed Steve Ahmed (ADC) garnered 4,244 votes, Duba Ishaya Dodo (NDC) got 1,496 votes, and John Paul Araneshri (NNPP) received 102 votes.
Background: Senator Akwashiki's Legacy
The by-election was necessitated by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Akwashiki, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was first elected to the Senate in 2019 and secured a second term, making him the only senator from the district to achieve two consecutive terms since the creation of Nasarawa State. He died at age 52 on December 31, 2025.
Impact on Political Landscape
Envulanza's victory gives the APC a strategic advantage in the region as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. The win underscores the APC's growing influence in Nasarawa State, despite challenges from opposition parties like the Labour Party and PDP.
