Abuja’s Indigenous Leaders Call For Urgent Action On Electoral Offices

Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, to expedite the processes necessary for the forthcoming governorship elections and other political electoral offices within the FCT.

In the significant move reflecting the sentiments of the original inhabitants of Abuja, Senior Citizen Danjuma Tanko Dara, the prominent leader of the Indigenous community, made this call yesterday in a press briefing to address critical issues concerning the governance of the FCT.

The gathering, filled with representatives from various indigenous groups, lamented the long-standing grievances of the indigenous population, particularly regarding representation and fairness in political processes.

“It is alarming that the indigenous people of Abuja, despite being the original inhabitants of this land, find themselves on the periphery of political participation.

“We call upon President Tinubu and the INEC Chairman to take decisive steps to fast-track the electoral processes so that we can settle the ongoing dispute and ensure that our voices are heard,” Dara said.

As part of this broader call for action, Dara signalled a need for a representative governance structure that reflects the demographics of the FCT.

“Equity and fairness are paramount. We want a system where all voices are equal, particularly those of the original inhabitants of this city. Our cultural heritage should not be a casualty of political manoeuvring.

“Already, we have local governments, incomplete Senate and House of Representatives. No State Assembly, which has created an absolute lacuna in the mismanagement of resources accruing to the FCT State. We have witnessed all the past Ministers who were extremely corrupt due to a lack of legislative checks and balances.

“No single executive arm of governance and this has put Abuja at a high cost of living, because previous Ministers were only concerned with specific areas of interest for development in the FCT.

“We have the status of a state, therefore we should be seen so. The least we may accept is the Mayoral election. This could be succour to our hopes and aspirations,” he said.

He further said they need the inclusion of the indigenous people of Abuja in the political ‘bloodstream’ of Abuja.

Dara also touched on Nyesom Wike’s appointment as the minister of the FCT while acknowledging Wike’s contributions, including several infrastructure projects aimed at improving the city.

He stated that Wike’s term should mark the end of political appointments that alienate Abuja’s indigenous communities.

“We appreciate the work that Mr. Wike has done, earning him the nickname ‘Mr. Project.’ However, we believe he should be the last Minister appointed for the FCT under the current structure that does not adequately represent the interests of indigenous people,” he said.

The Senior Citizen expressed particular concern over pressures reportedly being exerted on Minister Wike to relocate indigenous communities from prime locations in Abuja to the outskirts.

“This is not just about development; it is about heritage, legacy, and spiritual connections to the land. Our ancestors have walked this land, and to uproot us would not only be a physical displacement but also a spiritual affront.

“We would never accept to be thrown out of the ancestral land which our forefathers lived and died in, they were buried here, so we also want to live and die here with our offspring,” he said.

He went on to emphasise the critical connection that the indigenous communities have with their ancestral lands.

“The souls and bones of our aged ancestors who have rested peacefully here must not be disturbed. They lived holy lives, nourished by the fruits of this land. Our deepest fears are that the current age lacks the spiritual powers to reckon with such sacred histories,” he lamented.

He also urged the minister to remain vigilant against misleading elements trying to fracture the unity of the indigenous populace.

“Advisors may come to you with half-truths and distorted perspectives aimed at sidelining us. We ask you to rise above such counsel and remain grounded in the realities of the people you serve.

“The FCT Minister should let sleeping dog lie, and integrate communities in line to urbanisation. He should go out to vacant lands in the outskirts of the town, negotiate with the farm and land owners, pay them and do his moderate town planning like Lekki.

“That will be a safe landing for him as a minister, rather than embarking on resettlement. Also, the FCDA should also be dissolve because they are causing pains and unwanted costs for Nigerians,” he said.

According to him, their culture must thrive, their voices must be heard, and their rights must be respected, only then can Abuja become a truly inclusive capital.