FCT Polls: “Nigerians Now Know the Ruling Party and the Real Opposition” — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the outcome of Saturday’s Area Council elections in Abuja has clarified the country’s political landscape, identifying the governing party and what he described as the “real opposition.”

Speaking in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, Wike commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called the orderly conduct of the polls. He said the elections reflected public confidence in the administration and the democratic process.

According to the minister, the peaceful atmosphere during voting demonstrated residents’ commitment to civic participation. He also credited security agencies for maintaining order across the territory.

Wike praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for delivering what he described as a credible exercise, noting that the process strengthened trust in electoral institutions.

He linked the results to ongoing development efforts in the FCT, stating that the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda had strengthened public confidence in governance.

The minister congratulated candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured chairmanship and councillorship seats, urging them to deliver on their mandates.

Despite winning one of the six chairmanship positions, the PDP said its performance confirmed its role as a credible opposition force. In a statement issued by its National Caretaker Working Committee and signed by National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party congratulated Mohammed Kasim on his victory in Gwagwalada Area Council and cited multiple councillorship wins as evidence of sustained grassroots support.

The PDP also acknowledged INEC and the Nigeria Police for the peaceful conduct of the elections, while calling for improvements in areas it said required attention.

Separately, PDP presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim described the results as a sign of renewed momentum for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the outcome showed the PDP remained organised and competitive despite internal disputes, expressing confidence that greater unity would strengthen its future performance.