2027: Ado-Iliyasu Unveils FCT Agenda, Says Citizens Are Ready For “Fresh Air” In Senate Representation
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ibrahim Ado Iliyasu, has unveiled his legislative agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising a new era of people-centred representation, improved healthcare access, stronger grassroots development, and greater political inclusion for residents of the territory.
Speaking during an interview, Dr. Iliyasu, a World-Class Chartered Arbitrator, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC), human rights advocate, and FCT Director of the International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), described his aspiration as a movement for a “fresh air” in FCT representation.
He said his mission is to provide leadership built on service, accountability, justice, equity, and fairness, stressing that the people of the Federal Capital Territory deserve representation that directly addresses their challenges and aspirations.
Presenting what he described as “Our Contract with the People of the FCT,” Dr. Iliyasu highlighted key legislative priorities that would guide his representation if elected to the Senate.
One of the major components of his agenda is the proposed Health Insurance Passport Bill, which he said would expand access to affordable and quality healthcare for residents across the FCT.
According to him, the initiative would provide wider healthcare coverage, including free medical support for women and children, while creating affordable contribution mechanisms that would enable more residents to access healthcare services.
“Health is wealth. No one will be left behind,” he stated.
The FCT Senate candidate also unveiled plans for an Abuja South Federal Constituency Delineation Bill, arguing that the area requires stronger representation because of its size, population, and developmental needs.
Dr. Iliyasu noted that Abuja South, comprising Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali Area Councils, has remained underrepresented and deserves increased political voice to accelerate development.
He explained that stronger representation would enhance the ability of communities to attract federal projects, improve infrastructure, and ensure that the needs of residents are adequately reflected at the National Assembly.
On the 2027 Senate contest, Dr. Iliyasu expressed confidence in his ability to defeat other contenders, including the incumbent FCT Senator, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, while acknowledging her position as the current representative of the territory.
He said Senator Kingibe is a respected woman leader but argued that many FCT residents are demanding a new direction and stronger legislative representation.
“The people are yearning for change. They want a representative who will bring capacity, commitment, and measurable impact,” he said.
Dr. Iliyasu also criticised the performance of former FCT Senator Senator Philip Aduda, who represented the territory in the Senate from 2011 to 2023, saying residents are looking for a fresh approach to representation.
He maintained that his candidacy represents a combination of experience, competence, and grassroots connection, promising to prioritise the welfare of residents if elected.
The NDC candidate further outlined other areas of focus, including youth empowerment, women development, healthcare improvement, rural infrastructure, protection of vulnerable groups, and equitable representation across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The Federal Capital Territory has one senatorial seat in the Nigerian Senate, currently occupied by Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, who was elected in the 2023 general election.
Senator Kingibe won the FCT Senate seat on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 and later moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
She is the second female senator elected to represent the FCT, following in the footsteps of Senator Khairat Abdulrazaq-Gwadabe, who became the first woman elected to represent the FCT in the Senate after winning the seat in 1999 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and serving from 1999 to 2003.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, Dr. Ibrahim Ado Iliyasu said his ambition is driven by the desire to introduce a new standard of representation focused on service, accountability, and development.
He called on FCT residents to support a leadership vision that prioritises the people and seeks to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive Federal Capital Territory.
