Professor Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat, has unveiled an ambitious legislative blueprint aimed at ending governance ambiguities in the nation’s capital, tackling multiple taxation and strengthening democratic institutions, while cautioning against what he described as growing judicial encroachment into Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking in Abuja, the academic and politician argued that despite hosting the seat of federal power, FCT residents remain among the most politically disadvantaged citizens in the country because of structural gaps in governance and accountability.
According to him, the absence of a state governor and the unique administrative structure of the FCT have created persistent confusion over responsibilities between elected representatives and appointed officials, leaving residents uncertain about where to seek redress on critical issues.
“The people of the FCT appear close to power because the Presidency is here, but in reality many are far removed from governance. Citizens often do not know whether their concerns should be directed to the FCT Minister, Area Councils or their elected senator. This confusion has weakened accountability and delayed solutions to pressing problems,” Asikhia said.
To bridge the gap between government and citizens, he pledged to establish a Senatorial Liaison Office dedicated to receiving complaints, tracking community concerns and ensuring prompt intervention on issues affecting residents across the six Area Councils.
The ZLP candidate identified multiple taxation as one of the most pressing economic burdens confronting residents and businesses in the territory.
He cited instances where property owners are compelled to pay tenement rates to Area Councils while simultaneously paying ground rents to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), a situation he said has triggered litigation, uncertainty and hardship.
Asikhia disclosed plans to sponsor legislation that would eliminate overlapping levies and clearly define taxing authorities within the FCT.
“Residents should not be subjected to double taxation because of administrative overlaps. We need a legal framework that removes ambiguity and guarantees fairness for citizens and businesses alike,” he stated.
Beyond taxation, the senatorial hopeful promised to pursue legislation that would clearly delineate the constitutional responsibilities of the Senator representing the FCT and those of the FCT Minister.
He argued that recurring tensions between elected and appointed officials stem largely from the absence of clearly understood operational boundaries.
“Good governance thrives when roles are properly defined. The people deserve to know who is responsible for what and where accountability begins and ends,” he said.
Asikhia also used the occasion to address the ongoing legal controversy surrounding the deregistration of political parties, warning that the increasing resort to litigation in political contests could undermine democratic stability.
The ZLP candidate referenced a Federal High Court judgment that reportedly affected several political parties, including the Zenith Labour Party, noting that the matter remains subject to appellate review.
According to him, the Court of Appeal had earlier directed a stay of further proceedings pending the determination of an appeal, raising questions about the circumstances under which subsequent judicial actions were taken.
“The current political era has witnessed developments that should concern every democrat. Democracy flourishes when political competition is determined by the people and not by procedural manoeuvres designed to narrow the political space,” he said.
Asikhia maintained that Section 225A of the Constitution, which governs the deregistration of political parties, establishes clear thresholds that must be met before such actions can be contemplated.
He argued that any attempt to apply the provision outside its constitutional parameters risks creating uncertainty and undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.
“No one is above the law, including public officials and judicial officers. The integrity of the courts must be preserved, and judicial processes must never be perceived as instruments for achieving political outcomes,” he added.
The professor further expressed concern over what he described as increasing attempts to weaponise legal processes against political parties, warning that such actions could create unnecessary tension ahead of future elections.
He stressed that democracy is strengthened when all duly registered political parties are allowed to participate freely in electoral contests and citizens are afforded genuine choices at the ballot box.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Political parties should be allowed to compete freely, candidates should be subjected to the lawful processes established by INEC, and the electorate should determine who governs them through credible elections,” he said.
While reaffirming his confidence in the judiciary, Asikhia emphasized that respect for the rule of law requires adherence to constitutional provisions, judicial restraint and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.
“We hold the judiciary in the highest regard because it remains a critical pillar of democracy. However, preserving public confidence in the institution requires that justice is not only done but seen to be done. Our commitment remains to the Constitution, due process and the democratic ideals that unite our nation,” he stated.
As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts toward the next electoral cycle, Asikhia’s intervention reflects growing concerns among opposition figures over the future of multiparty democracy, judicial independence and the need for governance reforms in the Federal Capital Territory.