Three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates contesting National Assembly seats in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have stepped down in favour of their All Progressives Congress (APC) counterparts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates announced their withdrawal on Monday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party alliance convened by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The development marks a significant political realignment in the capital as parties begin positioning themselves for the forthcoming elections.
The PDP candidates who stepped down are Gomna Stephen Gashe, representing the Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje federal constituency; Ahmed Dogara Jacob, representing the Municipal and Bwari federal constituency; and Angulu Bako, the party’s senatorial candidate.
Their decision is expected to strengthen the APC’s position in the FCT, although the electoral implications will depend on how voters respond to the emerging alliance.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Wike reportedly stressed the political significance of the territory, saying, “The President lives here.”
The remark appeared to underscore the importance of the FCT in the political calculations surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the 2027 elections.
Mr Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has remained a prominent figure in the political realignments involving members of the PDP and supporters of the APC-led federal government.
The withdrawal of the three candidates comes amid growing efforts by political actors to consolidate support and build alliances ahead of the next general election.
However, it remains to be seen whether the arrangement will translate into electoral gains for the APC and how the decision will affect the PDP’s standing in the FCT.
