Gwagwalada Tipped As Capital As FCT Pushes For Statehood
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM & NATIONAL UNITY ANGLE
A Renewed Push for Constitutional Equality
THE agitation for the creation of Abuja State gained fresh momentum as indigenous groups and residents of the Federal Capital Territory convened in Gwagwalada to launch the FCT Stakeholders’ Assembly.
At the meeting, participants formally proposed Gwagwalada Area Council as the capital of the prospective state, framing their demand as a constitutional necessity rather than a regional grievance.
Why Gwagwalada Matters
Assembly president Aliyu Daniel Kwali said Gwagwalada symbolises the historical roots of the original inhabitants whose lands were appropriated to create the federal capital.
He argued that while Abuja city represents national unity, Gwagwalada embodies the cultural identity of those who sacrificed ancestral land without receiving equivalent political rights.
Beyond Ethnicity
Kwali insisted the movement transcends ethnic boundaries, describing it as a civic struggle against structural exclusion.
“Our adversary is not any ethnic group, but a system that denies us democratic inclusion,” he said.
Inclusion as a Core Principle
The Assembly rejected notions that the proposed state should prioritise indigenous exclusivity, advocating instead for a citizenship-based model of belonging.
Kwali said such an approach reflects modern democratic values and strengthens national unity.
Legal Case for Reform
Rev. Barr. Aboki Zhawa anchored the demand in constitutional principles, arguing that the indigene-settler dichotomy contradicts Section 42(1) of the Constitution.
He called for its abolition and urged lawmakers to treat the FCT as a model for inclusive governance.
Towards a New Phase
The meeting marked a shift from protest-driven advocacy to structured civic engagement, with leaders signalling readiness for dialogue on land rights, heritage protection and democratic governance.
Observers say the Assembly’s framing of the struggle around constitutional reform and national cohesion could broaden support for Abuja State beyond the FCT itself.
