By Sarah NEGEDU
A coalition of Abuja stakeholders has renewed the campaign for full democratic rights in the nation’s capital, insisting that residents must elect a governor for the Federal Capital Territory in the 2027 general elections.
The demand, made on Sunday by the FCT Senior Citizens Forum at a press briefing in Abuja, revived the long-running debate over the political status of the Federal Capital Territory. The group said Abuja’s current system of administration has outlived its relevance and no longer reflects the democratic expectations of its residents.
Addressing journalists at the event themed “Fulfilling the Democratic Status of Abuja,” coordinator of the Forum, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, said the time had come for Abuja to determine its own chief executive through the ballot.
He stated, “The demand for full statehood is not just a legal opinion; it is a necessary clarification of the constitutional future of the FCT.
“For far too long, citizens of Abuja have participated in presidential elections but have been denied the fundamental right to elect their own chief executive and legislative representatives. This democratic deficit must end now.”
Dara called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to begin internal preparations for a possible governorship poll in the FCT.
He appealed directly to the electoral chief, saying, “As a distinguished academic and electoral umpire known for your integrity, Prof. Amupitan, we urge you to be prepared to set in motion the processes for a potential FCT governorship election. Voter registration, constituency delineation for a State House of Assembly, and election logistics planning should commence proactively.”
The Forum also urged President Bola Tinubu to consider governance continuity should Abuja transition to a new administrative structure.
“To ensure stability in any transition, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider appointing the current Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, as a potential Interim Administrator of the territory.
“This could allow ongoing projects to reach fruition while granting INEC the time necessary to prepare for a historic gubernatorial election, marking the end of political exclusion in Abuja,” he said.
Dara expressed concern over recent displacements affecting both indigenous communities and long-term residents, arguing that any future democratic arrangement must promote inclusiveness.
“As we advocate for this new era, all Nigerians residing in the FCT deserve equality and inclusion in governance and social management. Only through total inclusiveness can the federal government ensure harmony and justice,” he said.
He added that the agitation reflects a broader national conversation about Abuja’s governance model and the need to align it with the spirit of democratic participation.
“We believe there is a fresh moral and democratic imperative to push for this fundamental change. The message from the people of Abuja is unequivocal: the time for a governor of Abuja is now,” he said.
The Forum pledged sustained mobilisation around the demand and urged relevant authorities to embrace what it described as an opportunity to strengthen democratic accountability.
“We are glad to have heard the respected President, Bola Tinubu, recently urge governors to respect Supreme Court rulings on local government allocation. Enabling equity and total democratic structures will certainly reduce the cries and tears of Nigerians in the hands of unaccountable leaders,” he said.
