FCT Natives Demand Full State Status, Urge Tinubu, NASS to Address Constitutional Exclusion

Our Correspondent

Original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory and concerned residents have renewed calls for the FCT to be granted full state status, saying the current political structure denies millions of Abuja residents equal rights under the Constitution.

In a press statement issued Wednesday by the Youth Parliament for Renewed Hope, FCT Chapter, the group said the Territory’s limited representation and lack of an elected governor have left FCT people politically marginalized despite Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s capital.

According to the group, the FCT currently operates with only one Senatorial District, limited seats in the House of Representatives, and no governor. While the 1999 Constitution provides that the FCT should be treated “in certain respects as a state,” the group argued that the provision has not been “properly strengthened, clearly enshrined and effectively implemented.”

“The present situation has left many FCT residents without the opportunity to elect their own Governor, while residents who originate from other states often travel during election periods to participate in gubernatorial elections in their respective states, leaving the FCT without a similar opportunity,” the statement said.

The Original Inhabitants are demanding additional Senatorial Districts, increased House of Representatives representation, and a governance structure that reflects the population and constitutional importance of Abuja.

They noted that several submissions and proposals have been sent to the National Assembly over the years, but the issue has not received “the desired legislative attention.”

The group is appealing directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the FCT Minister to prioritize the matter.

“As the Federal Government continues to implement development projects and initiatives across the FCT, we appeal that the political and constitutional aspirations of the people of the Territory should also form part of the national development agenda,” the statement read.

YPRH argued that granting the FCT appropriate state status and equal constitutional rights would promote “fairness, justice, inclusion and greater participation in democratic governance.”

“We are confident that, under a government committed to the development and wellbeing of its citizens, this important concern can receive meaningful consideration,” the group added.

The FCT, created in 1976 and moved to Abuja in 1991, remains the only territory in Nigeria without elected state-level executive and legislative structures comparable to the 36 states.

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