The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) victorious in every contested seat in the local government elections held across the state on Saturday, August 22, 2026. EBSIEC Chairman Enyi Patrick confirmed that the APC secured all 13 local government areas and all 171 wards up for election, according to Channels Television.
APC Sweeps All Contested Seats
Chairman Patrick announced the results on Sunday, August 23, 2026, stating that the elections were conducted peacefully and with voter participation recorded across all 13 LGAs and 171 political wards. The outcome gives the APC complete control of local government administration throughout Ebonyi State.
Governor Francis Nwifuru cast his ballot at Edupfu Okemini Polling Unit 002 in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area, as reported by Radio Nigeria. After voting, Governor Nwifuru commended EBSIEC for maintaining order throughout the process, praising the commission for ensuring a smooth electoral exercise from start to finish.
Stakeholders Commend Voter Turnout
Beyond the governor, other political stakeholders and key figures across the state spoke positively about the turnout and the overall management of the polls. They described the conduct of the exercise as satisfactory.
This result extends the APC's grip on Ebonyi State politics at the grassroots level, with the party now controlling every local government council in the state following Saturday's results.
Context: Osbourne Umahi's Candidacy and Bauchi Elections
Legit.ng reports that Osbourne Umahi, son of former governor, entered the local government chairmanship race in Ebonyi State with a N30 million APC nomination form. Supporters rallied behind Osbourne as he pledged youth empowerment and infrastructure development, vowing to uphold his father's legacy if elected as LG chairman.
In a related development, the Allied People's Movement (APM) swept every chairmanship contest in the local government council elections in Bauchi State. BASIEC chairperson Jummai Abubakar announced that APM also claimed 319 councillorship seats, with four going to other parties. Opposition parties had boycotted the election a day earlier, alleging the process was rigged in favour of the ruling party.
Court Nullifies Previous Ebonyi LG Elections
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Federal High Court in Abakaliki nullified Ebonyi local government and councillorship elections held in July 2024. Justice Hillary Oshomah declared the elections unconstitutional and barred future polls not compliant with the law. Plaintiffs’ counsel, Hamilton Ogbodo, hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and constitutional order.
