The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the outcome of Saturday’s Area Council elections in Abuja has clarified Nigeria’s political landscape, revealing both the ruling party and what he termed the “real opposition.”
Speaking in a nationwide broadcast on television and radio, Wike commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the polls.
According to him, the results reflected residents’ confidence in the current administration and the democratic process championed by the Federal Government.
The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance,” Wike said. “This election has indeed shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party.”
The minister lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for delivering what he described as a free, fair and credible exercise, while also applauding security agencies for maintaining order throughout the process.
I congratulate INEC for conducting a free, fair and credible election, and I commend the security agencies for their professionalism and dedication to duty,” he stated.
Wike further linked the outcome to what he called the developmental strides recorded in the FCT under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the administration had restored optimism among residents.
This election is a reflection of the President’s vision and leadership, and a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought optimism and confidence to the people of the FCT,” he added.
He congratulated candidates of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who emerged victorious, urging them to justify the mandate entrusted to them.
To the winners of the elections, I urge you to serve the people with humility, dedication and commitment to excellence,” Wike said.
PDP Insists It Remains Credible Opposition
Despite securing only one of the six chairmanship seats, the PDP described its performance as proof of its continued relevance as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
In a statement by its National Caretaker Working Committee, the party congratulated Mohammed Kasim on his victory in Gwagwalada Area Council and hailed supporters for what it termed a gallant showing.
The PDP said its chairmanship win in Gwagwalada, alongside several councillorship victories across the FCT, underscored its resilience and grassroots support.
As the only opposition party that won one out of the six Area Council chairmanship seats, the PDP has reaffirmed that it remains a viable and dependable alternative platform,” the statement read.
The party also commended INEC and the Nigeria Police for the peaceful conduct of the elections while urging the electoral body to address observed gaps.
A PDP presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, described the poll outcome as evidence that the party was regaining strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said that despite internal leadership disputes and external pressures, the PDP remained structurally intact and capable of mounting a stronger challenge in future contests.
The PDP is a resurgent party. In spite of leadership disputes and pressure, the people stood firmly by the party,” he said.
With both major parties framing the FCT election outcome as validation of their political standing, the battle for narrative dominance appears set to intensify as attention gradually shifts toward 2027.
