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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Philip Tenimu Aduda, has promised to push for stronger legislation that would pave the way for greater democratic representation and governance structures in the FCT, including a legislative arm and a mayoral system.
Aduda, who spoke through the Director of Aduda Metre, a campaign support group, Hon Stephen Abraham Ajiya, said his return to the National Assembly would provide an opportunity to revive issues he described as critical to the political and constitutional development of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Aduda, the time has come for residents of the FCT to have greater control over their affairs through an appropriate legislative framework.
“The time has come for residents of the FCT to have a legislative arm, which only Senator Philip Aduda can help push through legislation.
“Yes, every Nigerian has seen it, and even the blind can see that, for the past four years, the FCT appears to have lacked effective senatorial representation. If this continues, the FCT may continue to miss opportunities to advance its constitutional and democratic aspirations.”
He also argued that the constitutional position of the FCT provides room for lawmakers to pursue reforms that would deepen democratic participation in the nation’s capital.
Ajiya referenced the 2023 Supreme Court judgment concerning the constitutional status of the FCT in presidential elections, particularly the interpretation of Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said the judgment clarified the constitutional treatment of the FCT in relation to presidential election requirements, including the interpretation of the 25 per cent requirement.
“Everything surrounding the existence and administration of the FCT is grounded in the Constitution, and through legislation, we can pursue whatever reforms are necessary.
“But the fundamental issue is that we do not legislate for ourselves through elected representatives at the local level in the same way other states do. The National Assembly legislates for the FCT, and this creates a democratic deficit that deserves serious attention.”
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He further said that a return to the Senate could strengthen advocacy for a governance structure that would give residents of the FCT wider democratic participation, including the possibility of a mayoral system.
He said such reforms would require constitutional and legislative processes, but maintained that effective representation at the National Assembly would be critical to advancing the conversation.
Meanwhile, the Senator disclosed that the campaign organisation would soon intensify its engagement with residents across the six area councils of the FCT as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
He said the campaign would focus on residents who, according to him, feel disappointed with the quality of representation they have experienced in recent years.
He also urged FCT residents to learn from the outcome of the 2023 elections and make their choice based on competence, experience and capacity.
“We will take our message to every part of the FCT. We want residents to understand the importance of making informed choices in 2027 and to avoid repeating the mistakes of 2023.
“Politics is local, and when it comes to the senatorial seat, the choice of a candidate whose capabilities and capacity have been tested and whose experience is known should be given serious consideration.”
He expressed confidence that Aduda’s political experience and previous service to the FCT would position him strongly for a return to the Red Chamber in 2027.
