Wike: Poll outcome has shown ruling party, real opposition

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday said the outcome of Saturday’s Area Council elections in the territory has shown Nigerians the ruling party and what he described as the “real opposition” in the country.

Wike spoke in a broadcast on national television and radio stations yesterday evening, where he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Wike said the outcome of the polls reflected the confidence of residents in the current administration and the democratic process being promoted 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,” the minister said.

“This election has indeed shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party.”

He praised residents of the territory for turning out peacefully to exercise their franchise and thanked security agencies for maintaining order throughout the election.

Wike also commended INEC for what he described as a credible process, noting that the conduct of the polls reinforced public trust in Nigeria’s electoral institutions.

“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 said.

According to the minister, the results were also a reflection of the developmental strides recorded in the FCT under President Tinubu, adding that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda had restored confidence 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,” Wike said.

He further congratulated candidates of both APC and PDP who emerged victorious and urged them to justify the mandate given to them by the electorate.

“To the winners of the elections, I urge you to serve the people with humility, dedication and commitment to excellence,” he added.

PDP claims credible opposition role

Despite winning only one of the six chairmanship seats, the PDP described its performance as proof that it remains Nigeria’s most credible opposition party.

In a statement issued by its National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), the PDP congratulated Mohammed Kasim, who won the Gwagwalada Area Council election, and hailed party supporters for what it called a gallant performance.

The statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the PDP’s victory in Gwagwalada, along with several councillorship wins across the FCT, demonstrated the party’s resilience.

“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 said.

The party also commended INEC and the Nigeria Police for the peaceful conduct of the elections, while urging the electoral body to address gaps identified during the poll.

The PDP leadership called on members to remain united and rally behind the party’s leadership as it works to reposition itself ahead of future elections.

Presidential aspirant sees resurgence

A PDP presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, also described the FCT poll outcome as evidence that the party was regaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hashim congratulated party members for what he termed an impressive showing under difficult circumstances, noting that the PDP remained structurally intact despite internal challenges.

“The PDP is a resurgent party. In spite of leadership disputes and pressure, the people stood firmly by the party,” he said.

He pointed to the party’s councillorship victories across the FCT as further proof of grassroots support, expressing optimism that a more united PDP would perform even better in future elections.

– The Nation