FCT remains PDP stronghold, says Olawepo-Hashim
Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a presidential aspirant from the PDP, claims that the recent APC electoral victories in the FCT are misleading and that the PDP continues to hold significant influence in the region.
Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a presidential aspirant for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed skepticism towards the recent electoral wins by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), labeling them as a 'political illusion.' The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported that the APC secured victories in five out of six chairmanship contests in the area, stirring controversy among party members. During a meeting with PDP leaders in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim emphasized that the winners included many long-time members of the PDP who switched their allegiance to the APC, suggesting that the electoral outcomes do not accurately reflect the political landscape in the FCT.
Olawepo-Hashim argued that the apparent success of the APC is misleading, asserting that the elections were essentially contests between members of the PDP who had defected to the APC. He characterized the political situation as a contest predominantly within the PDP rather than a genuine rivalry against the APC. This assertion highlights the complexities of party dynamics in Nigeria, where switches in allegiance can dramatically affect electoral perceptions and outcomes, stirring doubts about the authenticity of the APC's claims of dominance in the area.
The broader implications of this situation could affect the upcoming elections and party strategies in Nigeria, particularly as the PDP seeks to consolidate its support and reclaim its influence in regions like the FCT. The discussion among party leaders reflects a necessary reassessment of electoral strategies and alliances to ensure that the PDP remains a contender in future elections, as well as a signal to supporters regarding their ongoing significance in the political arena.