2027: FCT natives want Abuja included in guber elections

A coalition of indigenous groups and long-term residents of the FCT has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to promptly initiate preparations for a governorship election in the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, the group, operating under the auspices of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, cited potential legal and constitutional shifts that could elevate the territory’s status to warrant full democratic rights, including the election of a governor and members of a House of Assembly.

The Coordinator of the forum, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, speaking at the forum’s event, titled: “Fulfilling the Democratic Status of Abuja”, emphasised the urgency of such reforms.

He said, “The demand for full statehood is not just a legal opinion; it is a necessary clarification of the constitutional future of the FCT.

“For 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.”

Mr Dara appealed to the INEC Chairman: “As a distinguished academic and electoral umpire known for your integrity, we urge you to proactively set in motion the processes for a potential FCT governorship election. This should include voter registration, constituency delineation for a House of Assembly and election logistics planning.”

The group also issued a political recommendation to President Bola Tinubu regarding governance continuity in the territory.

Mr Dara said, “To ensure stability during 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. This will allow ongoing projects to reach fruition while granting INEC the time necessary to prepare for a historic gubernatorial election, finally marking the end of political exclusion in Abuja.”

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