APC bye-election primaries heat up as candidates like Oscar Agedo and Yakubu Waziri purchase nomination forms and vow improved representation

APC bye-election primaries have officially begun with the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms across Nigeria, triggering political excitement and early declarations by aspirants.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) is gearing up for next month’s bye-elections into the State and National Assemblies, as outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The commission recently released its schedule of activities and guidelines for the elections, which are set to fill vacant seats in various senatorial districts, federal constituencies, and State Assemblies.

The APC, in swift response, commenced internal preparations with aspirants now jostling for tickets in a process that promises to be both competitive and transparent.

Among the first to officially declare interest were Oscar Agedo, seeking to represent Ovia South-West/Ovia North-East Federal Constituency in Edo State, and Yakubu Waziri, contesting for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State.

Oscar Agedo, who is looking to succeed Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, expressed elation after obtaining his forms. “Today is a great day for me, having purchased this form to run for the Federal House of Representatives for Ovia South-West/Ovia North-East Federal Constituency.

My intention to represent my people in the Green Chambers is simple: to make good laws for our country and to ensure proper representation for my people, especially in the area of infrastructural development,” Agedo said.

He was accompanied by enthusiastic constituents who gathered in support of his ambition. “I assure you that I will make my people proud. My constituents are here with me, and I sincerely appreciate them for their support so far.

I also want to appeal to the National Working Committee that our party is known for credible and transparent primaries. I am confident that come July 19th, we will have a free and fair primary election in our constituency,” he added with conviction.

In Kaduna State, Yakubu Waziri, who hopes to replace the late Honourable Ekene Adams, shared similar optimism following his collection of the forms. Speaking to journalists, Waziri highlighted his track record and vision for his people.

“We are here this morning to purchase the appropriate documents to enable us to contest the upcoming bye-election. To the glory of God, we have successfully collected the forms,” Waziri said.

He further urged citizens to evaluate his previous performance independently. “As I always say, we have done so much already, and I encourage you to go out there and independently verify our track record.

You don’t need to tell me; just do your findings and see for yourself what we have done and what we intend to do, by the grace of God.”

Waziri also praised federal and state efforts to stabilise security in the region. “Our mission is to ease the pressure on our people, particularly in the area of security, where Mr. President has made significant progress. I commend Mr. President for his support to our constituency.”

Reflecting on recent improvements, he noted, “You’re all aware that, for a long time, Chikun and Kajuru were constantly in the news for negative reasons. But today, thanks to the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, and the People’s Governor—that’s what we call him because he’s approachable—the situation has improved.”

APC bye-election primaries are now a critical step toward reshaping legislative representation across the country. With candidates like Agedo and Waziri setting the tone early, the coming weeks are expected to be filled with consultations, campaigns, and consensus-building.

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The party leadership has assured the public of a level playing field, reaffirming the APC’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and internal democracy.