Exclusive: FCT Deserves Inclusive Leadership, Equity and Grassroots Development — Ado-Iliyasu
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ibrahim Ado Iliyasu, has unveiled a comprehensive vision for inclusive governance, equitable representation, and sustainable development, pledging to champion policies that will improve the lives of residents across the six Area Councils.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Excessflownews, the FCT Director of the International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS) and Chartered Arbitrator said his decision to contest for the Senate was driven by years of public service and close engagement with communities across the territory.
According to him, his experience in human rights advocacy exposed him to the challenges facing residents, including inadequate representation, limited access to quality healthcare, unemployment, and social injustice.
"My inspiration comes from service. I have worked closely with communities across the six Area Councils and witnessed the gaps in representation, justice, healthcare and youth empowerment. I want to provide a voice that is accessible, people-centred and rooted in the rule of law," he said.
Dr. Iliyasu also renewed his call for the FCT Senate seat to be zoned to Abuja South, arguing that the area has experienced prolonged political exclusion despite comprising four of the territory's six Area Councils and having a large indigenous population.
He maintained that allowing Abuja South to produce the next senator would promote equity, fairness, and unity while ensuring that communities in Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje receive greater attention in terms of development and federal presence.
Outlining his legislative agenda, the senatorial hopeful identified people, infrastructure, and justice as the three pillars of his vision. He pledged to prioritise quality healthcare, improved education, youth employment, rural infrastructure, and stronger legal protection for women, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
On healthcare, Dr. Iliyasu said he would advocate for the upgrading of primary healthcare centres across every ward, support wider enrolment of vulnerable residents into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and facilitate mobile healthcare services for rural communities.
He further promised to champion increased federal intervention in education through improved school infrastructure, teacher training programmes, and scholarships for indigent students, while also pushing for the establishment of an FCT Youth Enterprise Fund, skills acquisition centres, and greater employment opportunities for FCT indigenes.
To strengthen accountability, Dr. Iliyasu pledged to establish constituency offices in each of the six Area Councils, hold regular town hall meetings, and publish quarterly performance reports to keep constituents informed of his activities in the Senate.
He also revealed plans to sponsor legislation for the establishment of an FCT Development Commission, which he said would provide dedicated funding for infrastructure and development projects across all six Area Councils, particularly underserved rural communities.
Highlighting what distinguishes him from other aspirants, Dr. Iliyasu cited his experience as a Chartered Arbitrator, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC), and FCT Director of the International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), describing these roles as evidence of his commitment to justice, peacebuilding and grassroots service.
Speaking on the role of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), he expressed confidence that the party would offer Nigerians a credible alternative built on internal democracy, transparency, and people-oriented governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
He concluded by urging residents of the Federal Capital Territory to embrace a new era of leadership founded on integrity, accountability, and inclusive development.
"I am offering service, not self-interest. Together, we can build an FCT where every community is represented, development reaches every corner, and every citizen has an equal opportunity to succeed," he said.
Dr. Iliyasu expressed optimism that with the support of FCT residents, the territory could witness a new chapter of responsive representation, equitable development, and people-centred governance after the 2027 general elections.
