The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made major political gains in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), positioning itself strongly ahead of the 2027 elections.

This shift became clear on Thursday at the “Abuja Unity Rally,” held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

At the rally, the APC officially welcomed the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, his councilors, and thousands of supporters from all six area councils of the FCT who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).

Top APC leaders attended the event, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, current and former ministers, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and party leaders from the FCT and the North Central region.

Dr. Ganduje, speaking to a large and excited crowd, said; “The territory is too important to be left in the hands of opposition parties. With the latest political development, the ruling party is set to produce the only Senator for the FCT, two members of the House of Representatives and all area councils chairmen in the territory.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as part of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, today we have started seeing that FCT will be converted to APC. Today we have a great political giant, we have the chairman of AMAC which is the most popular local government in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The chairman, with all his elected councilors, with all his appointed councilors, with all the politicians from PDP, have decided to come to our great party, the APC. He has come with his thousands of supporters.

“Also, we have decampees from Bwari Area Council, we have decampees from Kuje Area Council, we have decampees from Abaji Area Council, we have decampees from Kwali Area Council, we have decampees from Gwagwalada Area Councils.
“What remains now? Almost all the politicians, all the people, and indeed more than 60 percent of the Federal Capital Territory is now APC.”

The Minister of Special Duties, Hon. Zaphania Jisalo, who also serves as the political leader of the FCT, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for keeping his promise to include Abuja indigenes in his administration. He said he is a “living testimony” of the President’s commitment, as he now sits on the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The Minister of State for the FCT, Hajia Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, asked voters to keep supporting the APC-led government, promising that it is working to improve their lives.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello, speaking for past APC governors, encouraged unity within the party and predicted total victory in 2027.

He said, “All the Area Councils will be APC. It is just a little time that will take. Let me commend our national chairman. Let me commend the state chairman of FCT, Alhaji Usman, for all the wonderful jobs he’s been doing.

“When I came into this arena, I was shocked to see the mammoth crowd that turned out within this shortest possible time.

“Let me tell you that this mandate that Mr President is carrying, is the mandate of the people and the people of this country have spoken and I want to assure you that come 2027, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

“Let nobody mistake it that Mr. President and former President have any issue. In fact, they continue to confer in moving this country forward.

“Other political parties are just going to escort us to the villa come 2027.

“When you are inside APC, and you are making your demands you are talking but if you leave APC and you are outside APC and you are making demands, you are simply making noise and those of us that are inside APC we will tell you to keep quiet. Therefore, APC is the owner of Nigeria today and tomorrow.”

On his part, the APC Chairman FCT chapter, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, promised party members that under his leadership, the APC would work harder to fully control the FCT before the next elections.

Former Governors of Nasarawa and Katsina States, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, alongside 21 other prominent figures of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), have publicly reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressed strong solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a joint statement, the CPC stalwarts dismissed recent speculations of defection or dissatisfaction within their ranks as “baseless” and “mischievous,” urging the public to disregard such narratives.

“We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC), issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals, they said”

The leaders underscored the contributions and sacrifices made by the CPC in the formation of the APC and emphasized their commitment to preserving the integrity of the party.

According to them, “As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.”

Backing the economic and governance policies introduced by President Tinubu, the group acknowledged the associated challenges but described them as necessary for long-term national progress.

In their words, “We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Bola Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.”

Addressing concerns of marginalization among party members, the CPC bloc called for internal resolution through party structures, rather than public outcry or defection.

They said those affected should seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.

Stressing the need for unity within the APC, they urged all members—especially those who were foundational to its creation—to close ranks and protect the party’s legacy.

The group also made a passionate appeal to the party’s leadership to enhance communication and engagement with members across all levels.

“Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.

“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress,” they said.

Other signatories to the statement include: Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Hon. Almajiri Geidam, Arc. Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Argungu, Dr. Dominic Alancha, Hon. Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Hon. Lucy Ajayi, among others.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has predicted the collapse of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, as more of its members continue to dump it for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Okpebholo said this in his office while receiving the member representing Ikpoba Okha State Constituency, Nicholas Asonsere, who dumped the PDP for the APC.

With the decamping of Hon. Asonsere, the ruling APC now controls the majority in the Edo State House of Assembly EDHA with 15 members, while the opposition has nine members.

The Governor thanked all new members who joined the APC from other parties and assured them that the party is a place of opportunities as they will not be discriminated against but given a room to contribute to the development of the State.

“Thank you for the decision to join the APC and all of you that moved to our party. The winning party will not regret it. The party will stand with you as it is a place of unlimited opportunities.

“When I came into the APC, I never had the mind to contest for any position, but look at where I am today. I was pressured by people who love good things to contest as a senator and governor, and I won both elections, and today, look at where the State is.

“Very soon, the opposition PDP will collapse in Edo State because of what the APC represents. My idea for Edo people is development. My focus is on development, and I will not be distracted from making life better for Edo people. I will utilize Edo resources, which is obtained from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Federation Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC).

“The resources meant for Edo people will be used to develop the State and make life comfortable for the people,” he declared.

Governor Okpebholo said that since he became Governor, he has not traveled abroad because he is serious with developing the State and making life better for the people.

The Governor noted that former Governor Godwin Obaseki cheated the people, claiming to be doing much in the education sector, while there was actually nothing on ground in schools in the State.

He said: “A big thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and God Almighty for the progress and development in Edo State, as God is using some persons as instruments to save the State.

“On Wednesday, I went to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okah Local Governments and noticed that Obaseki cheated Edo State as governor.

“JSS 1 and JSS 2 have just one classroom combined. We have just six classrooms in a whole school, and these structures are all dilapidated. With this school, I noticed that Obaseki cheated Edo people,” he said.

APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who presented Hon. Nicholas Asonsere to the Governor said the member representing Ikpoba-Okah constituency voluntarily decamped without pressure from anyone.

Tenebe said the developmental strides of Governor Okpebholo also wooed him to join the party, as the Governor is working massively for Edo people, including Ikpoba-Okah people.

“Your Excellency, your developmental strides in Edo State has shaken the foundation of the opposition party and the EDHA, leading to many opposition members cross carpeting to the ruling party APC,” he said.

Honourable Asonsere said he is glad to join the APC, following the developmental strides of the Governor.

“I am here this afternoon to be part of the Progressives. I was not approached by anybody but convinced by the developmental strides of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

“The Governor is developing Edo State and my Constituency where he is building the first flyover in Benin City. With his good works, I cannot be on the other side but rather join hands with him to develop the State.

“The Governor has a vision for the people. He has a good heart to make Edo people happy. I had no choice but to join the Governor to move Edo State forward. Your developmental strides have wooed me to the party,” he explained.

Secretary of the APC, Edo State chapter, Engr. Lawrence Okah thanked the Governor for the numerous developments that Edo people are witnessing today due to his leadership style.

“A lot of our brothers are crossing from the opposition party to join our party. In the house now, we are 15 out of 24 members. We are expecting two more before the end of this month, and we are in a comfortable majority in EDHA. More people are coming as Governor Okpebholo is ready to collaborate with all members to ensure Edo enjoys more developmental strides,” he stated.