Introduction to the Issue
Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory have called on President Bola Tinubu to formally declare the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as Sole Administrator of Abuja to complete what they describe as his “first tenure” ahead of an eventual governorship election in the territory. The demand, which they described as a necessary political transition step, was made under the banner of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, a coalition of indigenous groups and long-term residents of the nation’s capital.
The Reason Behind the Demand
The group said naming Wike as Sole Administrator would ensure continuity in governance while providing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, adequate time to prepare for a future democratic transition. Speaking at a press briefing over the weekend, the forum’s coordinator, Elder Danjuma Dara, said the move was crucial to avoid a political vacuum and allow ongoing development projects to be completed without disruption.
The Call for Action
Reading from a prepared text titled “Fulfilling the Democratic Status of Abuja”, Dara said, “In the spirit of a seamless transition and to avoid a political vacuum, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately rename the Minister of the FCT, His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Wike, as the Sole Administrator of the FCT to complete his first tenure, which is already in progress.” This gesture will allow for the completion of ongoing projects and provide INEC with ample time to prepare for the gubernatorial election, where every eligible Nigerian resident in the FCT can contest and be elected as governor or assembly member.
The Need for Democratic Representation
Dara explained that the forum’s position was anchored on the need to bridge the democratic gap that has long existed in the administration of the FCT. He argued that Wike, having already set a clear development agenda in the capital, should be allowed to complete his current administrative term before Abuja transitions to a full elective system. He said the group was not opposed to a governorship election in the FCT but maintained that such a major political shift should be preceded by institutional groundwork, voter education, and constitutional clarity.
The Path Forward
According to him, retaining the current administrative structure under Wike would guarantee stability during this period of transition. The group insisted that its call was consistent with constitutional principles and the recent judicial interpretation of the FCT’s political status. It cited the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution, which, according to them, affirms that the FCT should be treated as a state within the federation.
Judicial Interpretation and Its Implications
Recall that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had in 2023 upheld the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, PEPT, which ruled that Abuja should be treated as the 37th state in Nigeria for the purposes of calculating the two-thirds majority required for a presidential candidate to be declared winner of an election. The verdict, delivered by Justice John Okoro, stated that Section 299 of the Constitution expressly provides that the Federal Capital Territory should be treated as one of the states of the federation for the purpose of returning a presidential candidate as duly elected.
Conclusion
The call by the FCT Senior Citizens Forum for President Bola Tinubu to declare Nyesom Wike as the Sole Administrator of Abuja marks a significant step towards realizing full democratic representation in the Federal Capital Territory. With the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming the FCT’s status as a state, it is imperative that the federal government and INEC take concrete steps towards granting Abuja residents the right to elect their own governor and state assembly, thereby ending the democratic deficit that has existed for too long.
FAQs
- Q: Why are the indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory calling for Nyesom Wike to be declared as the Sole Administrator of Abuja?
A: They believe this will ensure continuity in governance and provide INEC with adequate time to prepare for a future democratic transition. - Q: What is the significance of the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution?
A: It affirms that the FCT should be treated as a state within the federation, paving the way for Abuja to have a full elective system. - Q: What is the current administrative structure of the FCT, and how does it differ from the 36 states?
A: The FCT is administered by a minister appointed by the President, unlike the 36 states which have elected governors and assemblies. - Q: What is the ultimate goal of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum?
A: The ultimate goal is to achieve full democratic representation in the FCT, where residents can elect their own governor and state assembly.
