A Defining Year in Nigeria’s Political Landscape

Nigerian politics was anything but quiet in 2025. As the nation edged closer to the 2027 general elections, the year delivered unexpected victories, strategic consolidations, and subtle realignments across party lines. Although opposition parties recorded a few notable gains, the ruling party maintained a firm grip on power nationwide.

Amid shifting alliances and evolving voter sentiment, a handful of political figures emerged as clear standouts—either through landslide victories, strengthened influence, or symbolic wins that reshaped local power dynamics. These were the politicians who defined 2025.

Soludo Dominates Anambra in a Landslide Re-Election

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo delivered one of the most commanding performances of the year in the Anambra governorship election. Far from a tight race, the contest ended in overwhelming victory as Soludo swept nearly all local government areas and the vast majority of wards.

Securing over 422,000 votes—approximately 71 percent of the total ballots cast—the result went beyond a routine re-election. It served as a resounding endorsement of his leadership style, reform agenda, and engagement with citizens.

Following his victory, Soludo described governance as a nonstop responsibility, calling it a “24/7 assignment.” By every political measure, 2025 closed as a decisive win for the Anambra governor.

Tinubu Strengthens APC’s Grip Ahead of 2027

Although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not face the electorate in 2025, the year significantly reinforced his political standing. By year’s end, 26 of Nigeria’s 36 governors were aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a strategic advantage as preparations for 2027 intensify.

Beyond party lines, influential figures across politics, business, and governance increasingly gravitated toward Tinubu’s leadership. Even some non-APC governors and political powerbrokers were observed quietly aligning with his administration’s direction.

Political analysts point out that Tinubu secured the presidency in 2023 with far fewer governors behind him. With broader institutional backing now in place, 2025 clearly represented a year of consolidation and momentum for the president.

Emmanuel Nwachukwu Claims Anambra South Senate Seat

The 2025 Anambra South senatorial by-election followed the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in 2024, creating a high-stakes contest for one of the region’s most influential seats. In August, Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) emerged victorious.

His win carried weight beyond individual success. It ensured APGA retained a strong foothold in a fiercely contested senatorial district and preserved the party’s relevance in southeastern politics.

By stepping into a role previously held by a major political figure, Nwachukwu secured his place among the standout political winners of 2025.

PDP Secures Strategic Win in Ibadan North

In Oyo State, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) recorded a significant victory when Folajimi Oyekunle won the Ibadan North federal constituency bye-election. He defeated the APC’s candidate, Adewale Olatunji, to claim a seat in the House of Representatives.

The result carried symbolic importance for the opposition. At a time when the APC continues to dominate nationally, the win demonstrated that the PDP remains capable of mounting effective electoral challenges.

Oyekunle’s success added balance to the year’s political outcomes and confirmed that 2025 was not without opposition victories.

Looking Ahead

From landslide elections to strategic consolidations, 2025 reshaped Nigeria’s political terrain in meaningful ways. As attention now turns fully to the 2027 general elections, the figures who emerged victorious this year are likely to play central roles in determining what comes next.