APC Eyes Victory in FCT as Ganduje Welcomes PDP Defectors Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has declared that the ruling party is firmly on course to secure victory in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the 2027 general elections. Ganduje made this bold assertion on Thursday in Abuja at a “Unity Rally” organized to welcome a wave of defectors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC.

With the defection of the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, along with 12 ward councillors and over 20,000 supporters, Ganduje expressed confidence that the APC would not only win the presidential vote but also clinch the FCT’s lone senatorial seat and two House of Representatives seats currently held by opposition parties.

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Ganduje Confident as Political Shift Favors APC in FCT

Addressing a jubilant crowd at the rally, Ganduje emphasized that political dynamics had significantly shifted since the 2023 elections. Despite losing the FCT to Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the last presidential poll, the APC chairman stated that the current wave of support now gives the ruling party control of over 60% of the capital territory.

“Today, we have a great political giant. The Chairman of AMAC, which is the most popular local government in the Federal Capital Territory, has come into our great party, the APC, with all his elected councillors, appointees, and over 20,000 supporters,” Ganduje said.

He further revealed that the defections weren’t limited to AMAC, but spanned several councils including Bwari, Kuje, Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada. “Almost all the politicians, all the people, more than 60% of the Federal Capital Territory, is now APC,” he declared confidently.

The significance of this political movement wasn’t lost on observers, with APC leaders hailing it as a turning point that could reshape electoral outcomes in the FCT come 2027.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the rally, applauded the defectors’ decision. “This harvest of new members shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering results. We urge the decampees to bring their energy and experience to strengthen the party,” he said.

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, also delivered a fiery message of confidence, asserting that President Bola Tinubu would be re-elected in 2027. “Let me tell you that this mandate Mr. President is carrying is the mandate of the people. Come 2027, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” Bello said.

Bello also dismissed speculations about any rift between President Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari, insisting that both leaders remain committed to the APC’s vision for Nigeria. “They continue to confer in moving this country forward. So, we have the APC intact,” he said, urging party members to close ranks and work together.

APC FCT Leadership Gears Up for 2027 Battle

The APC’s National Vice Chairman (North-Central), Muazu Bawa Rijau, described the rally as a historic moment, praising the significance of Maikalangu’s defection. “This is not just a defection; it’s a statement. A sitting AMAC Chairman and his team joining APC shows that we are on course for victory in 2027,” Rijau remarked.

Similarly, Abdulmalik Usman, the APC Chairman in the FCT, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to taking control of Nigeria’s capital region. “We are cruising on the boat of success. Over 20,000 people from AMAC alone have joined today, and more are coming from other councils. The APC is prepared and positioned to win in 2027,” he said.

The AMAC Chairman, Hon. Maikalangu, in his own remarks, did not mince words about his reasons for joining the APC. He highlighted the leadership qualities of President Tinubu and praised the party’s inclusivity, saying it was time to work with the ruling party to bring better governance and development to the people of the FCT.

With this high-profile defection and Ganduje’s bold projection, it is evident that the APC is strategically repositioning itself for a strong showing in the next electoral cycle. The events in Abuja signal a fresh wave of political re-alignments that could have far-reaching effects on the balance of power both in the FCT and nationally.

As 2027 draws nearer, the FCT has now emerged as a critical battleground, and the APC appears determined to reverse its previous defeat by capitalizing on its growing grassroots appeal and a renewed commitment to unity.