Ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, indigenous youths of the FCT are demanding greater inclusion in political, economic, and cultural governance, declaring that years of marginalisation must end.

Under the auspices of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), the youth declared that the time has come for the original custodians of the land to be recognised, empowered, and included in key decision-making processes.

Speaking during a town hall meeting held on Friday in Kwali, tagged “Strengthening FCT Indigenous Community Voices in Key Governance Processes,” leaders of the movement demanded a fair political voice and representation ahead of the upcoming polls.

The AOIYEO’s Project Manager, Abubakar Ahmed, called for an inclusive and equitable environment.

He said, “The 2026 Area Council elections present a rare opportunity for indigenous communities to assert their democratic rights.

“We seek to facilitate a more inclusive and equitable governance environment where the voices of the marginalised are not just heard, but valued and acted upon.”

In his keynote presentation, President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Aliyu Kwali, emphasised the urgency of integrating indigenous communities in governance structures, describing it as key to a more just and accountable capital territory.

He said, “The voices of FCT’s original inhabitants must not only be recognised—they must shape policy.

“The time for lip service has passed. Real action must follow.”

The AOIYEO President, Isaac David, lamented that indigenes of the FCT suffer from land dispossession among others.

“Despite being the indigenous custodians of the land on which Nigeria’s capital was built, we have faced statelessness, land dispossession, cultural erasure, and inadequate political representation.

“Our socio-economic conditions remain among the most disadvantaged in the country,” he lamented.

Calling for unity among indigenous people and residents alike, Isaac stressed, “We must present a united front to exercise our right to vote and to be voted for. Let us rise above our divisions and demand a seat at the table.”

He urged stakeholders at the event—including traditional rulers, civil society actors, and local leaders—to support the movement through policy, resources, and active collaboration.

“Together, we can build a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

On the legal challenges confronting indigenous people, James Ndeye called for urgent collaborative action, noting that “disenfranchisement remains a major obstacle to justice for Abuja’s original inhabitants.”

Adding a security perspective, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Aminu Pai, advocated for a collective strategy to address insecurity in the FCT, urging all stakeholders to work in synergy for the protection of the capital and surrounding communities. (The PUNCH)