Gbenga Hashim calls APC FCT wins ‘Political Illusion’ as PDP stakeholders back his presidential bid

2026-02-26 - 14:08

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has dismissed claims of electoral victories by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory, describing last week’s Area Council election outcomes as a “political illusion.” Speaking at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Hashim argued that many APC winners were former PDP members who switched parties under pressure, creating a misleading impression of APC strength in the territory. “In reality, the contest was PDP versus PDP,” he said. “What we witnessed was the deployment of massive resources and state institutions to manufacture the appearance of competition.” Hashim maintained that the FCT remains a traditional PDP stronghold and warned party members against engineered narratives designed to distort electoral reality. He urged supporters to stay united and focus on grassroots mobilisation, stressing that genuine political strength comes from popular support, not manipulated outcomes. The meeting brought together chairmen from the six FCT Area Councils, ward leaders, and members of the PDP State Executive Committee. In a show of solidarity, FCT PDP Chairman Alhaji Ismail Mohammed Dogara moved a motion reaffirming the chapter’s support for Hashim’s 2027 presidential ambition. The motion was seconded by PDP Board of Trustees member Honourable Isa Dobi and received broad endorsement from attendees. Stakeholders also commended Hashim for supporting party candidates before and during the Area Council elections and called for the immediate release of party members reportedly detained by security agencies, alleging the arrests were meant to influence the electoral outcome. Political observers say the developments highlight intensifying rivalry between the PDP and APC in the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both parties positioning to consolidate influence in the nation’s capital.