FCT Polls Signal PDP Comeback Ahead Of 2027 — Gbenga Hashim

Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has hailed the party’s performance in the just-concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections as a clear indicator of revival and growing strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NaijaChoice News reports that the elections, held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, saw the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secure victories in five of the six chairmanship seats, while the PDP clinched one in Gwagwalada Area Council. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials declared the results on Sunday, confirming APC wins in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje.

Reacting to the outcome, Hashim congratulated PDP members and supporters for what he described as an “outstanding performance under difficult circumstances.” He emphasized that the results prove the party’s structural integrity and electoral competitiveness, even amid internal leadership disputes and external pressures.

“The PDP is a resurgent party,” Hashim stated in a press release obtained by NaijaChoice News. “In spite of leadership disputes at the national level and deliberate efforts to weaken our structure in the FCT, the people stood firmly by the party.”

While acknowledging the official declaration of PDP’s win in only one Area Council, Hashim alleged that the party was robbed of victories in three additional councils due to irregularities. “Even with the obvious irregularities, the strength of the PDP was undeniable,” he said.

Beyond the chairmanship races, the PDP secured several councillorship seats across the FCT, a feat Hashim highlighted as evidence of enduring grassroots support and organizational resilience. He commended ward leaders, polling unit agents, and supporters for their “unshakable loyalty to the party logo.”

“You cannot suppress structure. You cannot intimidate conviction. The grassroots have spoken,” Hashim declared.

Political analysts, as noted in reports from various sources, view the FCT polls as an early litmus test for the PDP amid its ongoing leadership crisis. The elections were conducted under the amended Electoral Act, with observers reporting a generally peaceful process but low voter turnout.

For Hashim and his camp, the outcome signals not just encouragement but a renewed push as the 2027 countdown intensifies. He characterized the FCT performance as the dawn of a wider political comeback for the PDP, urging unity to maximize future gains.

“This election marks the start of our resurgence. If we can perform this strongly under strain, imagine what a united and fully stabilized PDP will achieve in 2027,” Hashim said.

He dismissed narratives of the party’s decline, insisting: “The PDP is not declining. The PDP is rebuilding. And this is only the beginning.”

The APC, meanwhile, has celebrated its dominant showing, with party leaders attributing the wins to effective governance and support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. However, the PDP has announced plans to challenge some results through legal channels, inaugurating a special team to handle election petitions.