A former presidential candidate and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains firmly under the PDP’s political influence despite recent chairmanship victories recorded by the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim described the outcome of the FCT Area Council elections as a “political illusion,” arguing that the results do not reflect a genuine shift in grassroots loyalty.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had announced APC victories in five of the six Area Councils—Abuja Municipal, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje—while the PDP secured Gwagwalada.
‘PDP Versus PDP’ Contest in FCT
According to Olawepo-Hashim, many of the declared APC winners were previously long-standing PDP members who switched allegiance before the election.
He maintained that the political structure and voter base in the FCT remain predominantly PDP.
“In reality, the contest was PDP versus PDP,” he said, alleging the deployment of extensive resources and state institutions to create an appearance of fierce competition.
The PDP chieftain stressed that authentic political dominance is built on popular support rather than electoral optics.
He urged party leaders and members across the six Area Councils to stay united and intensify grassroots mobilisation strategies ahead of future elections, particularly the 2027 presidential race.
PDP Reaffirms Support for 2027 Aspiration
The meeting was attended by Area Council and ward chairmen, as well as members of the State Executive Committee.
FCT PDP Chairman, Ismail Dogara, and Board of Trustees member, Isa Dobi, commended Olawepo-Hashim for his support during the polls.
Party stakeholders also passed a motion reaffirming support for his 2027 presidential ambition, signalling early internal consolidation within the PDP in the FCT.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the debate over political dominance in the nation’s capital is expected to intensify.
