FCT remains PDP stronghold, says Olawepo-Hashim
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has insisted that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains a stronghold of the PDP, dismissing recent claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) following its election victories in parts of the territory.
Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim argued that isolated electoral wins by the APC do not translate into a political takeover of the FCT. He described the PDP’s grassroots presence and voter base in the territory as “deep-rooted and resilient.”
According to him, the party continues to enjoy widespread support across the six area councils of the FCT, despite what he termed “manufactured narratives” aimed at portraying the APC as dominant.
“The FCT has historically aligned with the PDP, and that political reality has not changed,” he stated. “Electoral outcomes influenced by temporary political factors do not erase the longstanding loyalty of the people.”
Olawepo-Hashim further alleged that certain results were products of strategic political maneuvering rather than a genuine shift in voter sentiment. He maintained that the PDP remains confident of reclaiming and consolidating its position in future elections.
He also urged party supporters not to be discouraged, emphasizing the need for unity, mobilisation, and strengthened grassroots engagement ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Political analysts note that the FCT has often been a battleground between major parties, with voting patterns reflecting national political dynamics. While the APC has recorded notable wins in recent cycles, the PDP has historically performed strongly in several area councils.
As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next general elections, stakeholders expect intensified campaigns and renewed rivalry between the two dominant parties in the capital territory.
