FCT elders push for more senatorial districts, federal constituencies

Traditional rulers and stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday, called for an expansion of the territory’s political structure, demanding additional senatorial districts and federal constituencies to reflect its growing population and governance needs.

This demand was made at an appreciation rally organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly and the FCT Original Inhabitants Elders Forum in honour of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking at the event, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa, said the current arrangement, which limits the FCT to a single senatorial district, no longer reflects its demographic and political reality.

He argued that the territory’s population, which he said runs into millions, makes a stronger case for expanded representation in the National Assembly.

In his words, “Considering the population of the FCT, some people put it at over six million, we think that the FCT deserves more than one senatorial district.”

The Ona who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers, also called for the creation of additional federal constituencies and more area councils, saying such reforms would deepen governance at the grassroots and improve development outcomes across communities.

Beyond restructuring representation, the monarchs also urged Wike to serve as a bridge between the FCT and the presidency, calling for a direct engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advance their requests.

He described the minister as a “governor among governors,” citing his dual influence as both FCT Minister and former state governor.

“We humbly request that you will talk to Mr. President so that he can talk to members of the National Assembly to help us achieve some of the requests,” he said.

Dr. Yunusa further stressed that the FCT’s current single senatorial district stands in contrast to the structure of states across the federation.

“In all the states of the Federation, each state has three senatorial districts. It’s only the FCT that has one. And considering the population of the FCT, we think that it deserves more than one senatorial district.”

A former Federal Commissioner with the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Aliyu Kwali, also backed the call, insisting that the FCT had been structurally shortchanged.

He said, “Considering the population of the FCT, we think that it deserves more than one senatorial district. We also want more federal constituencies, and we want more area councils to bring governance closer to the people.”

Aliyu urged the minister to intervene with the National Assembly to correct what he described as a representation gap affecting the territory.

Responding, Wike warned against what he described as sentimental decision-making in political representation, insisting that experience and political structure were critical in securing legislative influence.

He said the FCT must be strategic in choosing representatives who can effectively lobby and negotiate at the National Assembly.

“If you make a mistake this time, it will be difficult for you,” he warned.

Wike also reaffirmed ongoing development projects across the territory, including infrastructure expansion and water supply to satellite towns, adding that more projects would be commissioned under the current administration.

He assured the stakeholders that issues relating to land administration, traditional institutions and agricultural support would be addressed, including the provision of tractors to each chiefdom.

“I’m now from here. I must do everything to protect your interest,” he said.

The event also featured the conferment of the traditional title “Hasken Abuja” on the minister by the Council of Chiefs in recognition of his role in ongoing reforms and engagement with traditional institutions.