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ABUJA — Former Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Philip Tenimu Aduda, has pledged to pursue stronger legislative action aimed at expanding democratic representation and strengthening governance structures in the FCT if returned to the National Assembly in the 2027 general elections.

Aduda made his position known through the Director of Aduda Metre, a campaign support group, Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, who said the former senator’s return to the National Assembly would provide an opportunity to revive issues considered critical to the political and constitutional development of the nation’s capital.

According to Ajiya, residents of the FCT should have greater control over their affairs through an appropriate legislative framework, including the establishment of a legislative arm and consideration of a mayoral system.

“The time has come for residents of the FCT to have a legislative arm, which only Senator Philip Aduda can help push through legislation,” Ajiya said.

He expressed concern over what he described as the lack of effective senatorial representation for the FCT over the past four years, arguing that the situation could affect efforts to advance the territory’s constitutional and democratic aspirations.

“Yes, every Nigerian has seen it, and even the blind can see that, for the past four years, the FCT appears to have lacked effective senatorial representation. If this continues, the FCT may continue to miss opportunities to advance its constitutional and democratic aspirations,” he said.

Ajiya also referred to the 2023 Supreme Court judgment concerning the constitutional status of the FCT in presidential elections, particularly its interpretation of Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution.

He said the judgment clarified aspects of the constitutional treatment of the FCT in relation to presidential election requirements, including the interpretation of the 25 per cent requirement.

“Everything surrounding the existence and administration of the FCT is grounded in the Constitution, and through legislation, we can pursue whatever reforms are necessary,” Ajiya stated.

He, however, identified what he described as a fundamental democratic gap arising from the fact that FCT residents do not legislate for themselves through elected representatives at the local level in the same manner as residents of states.

“But the fundamental issue is that we do not legislate for ourselves through elected representatives at the local level in the same way other states do. The National Assembly legislates for the FCT, and this creates a democratic deficit that deserves serious attention,” he said.

Ajiya maintained that a return to the Senate by Aduda could strengthen advocacy for a governance structure that would provide residents of the FCT with wider democratic participation, including the possibility of introducing a mayoral system.

He acknowledged that such reforms would require constitutional and legislative processes, but stressed that effective representation at the National Assembly would be critical to advancing the conversation.

Meanwhile, the Aduda campaign organisation is expected to intensify its engagement with residents across the six Area Councils of the FCT as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Ajiya said the campaign would focus on residents who, according to him, feel disappointed with the quality of representation they have experienced in recent years.

He also urged FCT residents to reflect on the outcome of the 2023 elections and make their choices in 2027 based on competence, experience and capacity.

“We will take our message to every part of the FCT. We want residents to understand the importance of making informed choices in 2027 and to avoid repeating the mistakes of 2023,” he said.

Ajiya further stressed the importance of experience and tested capacity in choosing a candidate for the senatorial seat.

“Politics is local, and when it comes to the senatorial seat, the choice of a candidate whose capabilities and capacity have been tested and whose experience is known should be given serious consideration,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Aduda’s political experience and previous service to the FCT would position him for a return to the Senate in 2027.

The campaign organisation is expected to continue its engagements across the six Area Councils as it presents Aduda’s proposed legislative agenda and seeks support for his return to the National Assembly.