APC Consolidates Gains as Opposition Eyes 2027 Revival After FCT Council Elections
Nigeria's ruling APC celebrates victories in FCT area council polls while opposition PDP leaders interpret results as evidence of potential comeback ahead of 2027 general elections.
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Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) strengthened its political position following victories in Federal Capital Territory area council elections, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commend Minister Nyesom Wike while opposition leaders claim the results signal their party's resurgence ahead of 2027 polls.
President Tinubu praised Wike for the APC's electoral success across multiple states. According to Legit.ng, the president highlighted democratic progress in the FCT, Kano, and Rivers states following the weekend elections. The endorsement underscores Wike's growing influence within the ruling party despite his previous position as a prominent PDP governor.
Opposition figures offered sharply different interpretations of the same electoral outcomes. Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant, described the FCT Area Council election results as "strong evidence" of PDP resurgence, according to The Nation Newspaper. Hashim's analysis suggests the opposition party views pockets of success in the capital territory as indicators of broader national momentum building toward the 2027 general elections.
The contrasting narratives reflect Nigeria's increasingly polarized political landscape. While the APC celebrated consolidating power in strategic regions, PDP strategists pointed to their party's performance in select constituencies as proof of renewed grassroots support. Political analysts note both parties are positioning themselves for what promises to be a fiercely contested presidential race in three years.
The APC extended its winning streak beyond the FCT. Henrietta Loolo secured victory in the Khana Constituency II by-election in Rivers State, according to Channels Television. The by-election filled the vacancy created by the death of former lawmaker Dinebari Loolo. Henrietta Loolo's win maintains APC control of the seat in a state where political tensions between Wike and his former party remain high.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio projected continued APC dominance in Akwa Ibom State. Speaking at party congresses, Akpabio predicted a "landslide victory" for President Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno in Essien Udim Local Government Area, The Nation Newspaper reported. His confidence reflects the ruling party's strategy of consolidating support in southern states traditionally considered opposition strongholds.
The FCT elections carry particular significance as a bellwether for national political sentiment. The capital territory's diverse population and status as Nigeria's administrative center make area council results closely watched indicators of broader trends. Both major parties deployed substantial resources and high-profile campaigners to the FCT contests.
Wike's role in delivering APC victories represents a remarkable political transformation. The former Rivers State governor and PDP stalwart joined Tinubu's cabinet as FCT minister despite his party affiliation, creating internal tensions within the opposition. His success in organizing APC campaigns validates Tinubu's controversial decision to appoint a nominal opposition figure to a sensitive ministerial position.
The 2027 electoral cycle is already shaping political calculations across Nigeria's major parties. With presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative contests scheduled for early 2027, parties are using local elections to test campaign strategies, measure grassroots support, and position key figures for national races. The FCT results provide both parties with data points to support competing narratives about their electoral prospects.
Nigeria's electoral commission has not released comprehensive final tallies for all FCT area council seats. Independent observers note that while the APC won majority control, the PDP and smaller parties secured victories in specific councils, lending credence to opposition claims of competitive performance. Voter turnout figures remain under analysis as parties assess engagement levels ahead of more consequential polls.
The political maneuvering following these local elections demonstrates how Nigeria's major parties are already engaged in intensive preparation for 2027. Both the APC's consolidation efforts and the PDP's attempt to frame results as evidence of revival reflect strategic positioning for what both sides anticipate will be Nigeria's most competitive general election cycle in years.