2027: Zuba Residents Turn Out As Ado-Iliyasu Takes Campaign Message To The Grassroots
The ancient town of Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a campaign stopover by Dr. Ibrahim Ado Iliyasu Kwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial hopeful for the FCT in the 2027 general elections, as he engaged residents and urged them to support his vision for improved representation and development.
According to his campaign team, traders, commercial drivers, youths, women and elderly residents gathered around the busy Zuba Junction along the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway to welcome the candidate and collect campaign posters, with some chanting, “Ado Is OK! Ado Is OK!”
The visit formed part of Dr. Ado’s grassroots mobilisation drive, through which he has been engaging communities across the FCT to promote his campaign message of people-centred leadership, equity and improved access to basic amenities.
Addressing residents during the stopover, Dr. Ado called for peace, unity and collective action, urging voters to support the NDC and the proposed Peter Obi–Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso presidential ticket.
He expressed optimism that a change in political leadership could help address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges, including poverty, unemployment and inadequate public services.
The candidate also linked his senatorial ambition to his longstanding advocacy for greater legislative autonomy and stronger representation for FCT residents.
“A vote for Ado is a vote for the emancipation of the FCT to legislative autonomy, which will translate to good governance,” he declared.
Dr. Ado has proposed an FCT Legislative Assembly Establishment Bill, which he intends to pursue if elected, as part of his broader agenda for greater participation in governance. He has also advocated a review of legislative representation in the territory, particularly to advance the interests of communities in Abuja South, comprising Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
Appeals To Teachers Amid FCT School Strike
The NDC candidate also addressed the ongoing strike by secondary school teachers in the FCT, appealing to the affected teachers to reconsider their action in the interest of students and their educational future.
He urged stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution that would enable students to return to the classroom while addressing the concerns raised by the teachers.
The appeal comes amid wider concerns about the impact of industrial disputes on learning, particularly for students preparing for examinations and other important academic milestones.
Dr. Ado said children should not be made to bear the long-term consequences of disputes between workers and government, urging both sides to prioritise dialogue and a timely resolution.
Campaign Focuses On People And Development
Dr. Ado, a World-Class Chartered Arbitrator and President of the North Central People’s Development Initiative, has made grassroots engagement a central feature of his campaign.
His proposed agenda includes improved healthcare, women's welfare, youth empowerment, education, rural infrastructure, water supply and electricity. He has also proposed a Health Insurance Passport Bill aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare, particularly for women and children.
Through his Community-to-Community mobilisation initiative, the candidate says he hopes to strengthen communication between elected representatives and the people they serve.
The Zuba visit adds to his campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections, as political parties and candidates seek to build support across the FCT’s six Area Councils.
While the campaign described the reception as evidence of growing grassroots enthusiasm, the wider electoral contest will ultimately be determined by voters at the polls.
Dr. Ado urged residents to remain united and participate actively in the democratic process, reiterating his campaign’s commitment to what he describes as a new approach to representation.
