FCT Muslims Decry Alleged Exclusion In APC NASS Picks

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares to select its candidates for the National Assembly elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), concerns are mounting among Muslim leaders over alleged exclusion.

In a press statement, the FCT coordinator of the APC Integrity and Unity Movement, Mallam Abubakar Mahmoud, said a review of aspirants showed that prominent Christian candidates dominated the field, with no Muslim contenders in sight.

“Senator Philip Aduda is the only aspirant for the FCT senatorial seat and is certain to emerge as the APC candidate,” he said.

Mahmoud also noted that in the House of Representatives race, the leading aspirants in both the AMAC/Bwari and Abuja South federal constituencies are Christians, naming the serving representative, Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika; the outgoing chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya; and the outgoing chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya.

He warned that the absence of Muslim candidates could create perceptions of imbalance and unfair representation.

“This would not augur well for the party, as the contests are expected to be balanced. Muslims are a significant part of the FCT population and deserve representation,” he said.

Mahmoud added that an all-Christian representation at the National Assembly from the FCT could affect the party’s image and its relationship with Muslim voters, urging the leadership to ensure a more inclusive process.