FCT Indigenes To Reconsider Support For Tinubu Over Exclusion

The clamour for national inclusion by indigenous groups in the Federal Capital Territory has taken a new dimension, as FCT leaders have warned that they may reconsider their support for President Bola Tinubu in future elections if the administration continues to exclude them from national appointments.

President of the FCT Stakeholders’ Assembly, Dr Aliyu Daniel Kwali, who gave the warning during a press briefing in Abuja at the weekend, expressed disappointment at the recent list of 35 ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu without including any indigene of the territory.

Kwali described the omission as a deliberate and calculated attempt to violate the constitutional and human rights of over six million original inhabitants and residents of the FCT, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of exclusion under the current administration.

He cited the earlier exclusion of FCT indigenes from the Governing Board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in June 2025, despite provisions in the NCDC Establishment Act.
According to the president of the FCT Stakeholders’ Assembly, with the 2026 area council elections and the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the assembly’s patience has worn thin.

“We strongly advise that government actions reflect fairness, inclusion and respect for constitutional provisions, not exclusion or marginalisation,” he said.

The assembly presented two immediate demands to President Tinubu which include the inclusion of at least one FCT native among the ambassadorial nominees and the appointment of at least two to the NCDC Board.

“If the government of President Bola Tinubu continues to exclude us from democratic governance, of course, at the time of the election, we will have to review our relationship with him and his political party.

“Beginning from the local government election that is coming up in 2026, it doesn’t make sense to continue to support somebody who does not recognise you as a citizen. We will support somebody who recognises us,” Kwali said.

Kwali defined the new criteria for the community’s support, tying it directly to promise-keeping.

“We will support a party or a candidate that recognises the FCT original inhabitants as full-fledged citizens of Nigeria. Our support will also be guided by the promises that the candidate makes.

“If you make us a promise, we will trust you. When you come into power and you fail us, we will review our support. That’s the beauty of democracy. It is during the election that we will show whether you have fulfilled your promises, whether you are trustworthy or not trustworthy,” he said.

The assembly also addressed the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, urging him to use his influence as the Administrator of the Territory to champion their cause.

While praising Wike’s administrative reforms, Kwali noted that respect is conditional.

“We are watching him carefully. If he does not reciprocate our respect, of course, we will also change. Respect is reciprocal,” he said.