The ANC has swept to victory in seven by-elections in the Eastern Cape.
The ruling party also retained three wards in Nelson Mandela Bay that became vacant following the deaths of three councillors in an accident earlier this year.
Opposition parties fielded candidates in wards 15, 26 and 55, in the hope of wresting power from the ruling party in the Metro.
However, new councillors Kolisile Frans, Siyabulela Hodi and Mtunzi Madolo, won their seats on council with big majorities of 89.9%, 89.07% and 90.77 percent respectively.
The ANC also won by-elections in Lady Frere, Mount Fletcher, Mbizana, Ntanbankulu, while Mount Ayliff was uncontested.
