FCT Southern Residents Forum demands geopolitical equity in upcoming APC primaries

By Stanley Onyekwere

Following the conclusion of the February 2026 Area Council elections, a coalition of residents from 17 Southern states residing in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the umbrella of the Southern Residents Stakeholders Forum, has demanded geopolitical equity in the upcoming primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Announcing the formation of the forum—which is led by a steering committee of community leaders and professionals—the group’s spokesperson, Godwin Akeme, emphasized that its primary objective is to ensure the “Center of Unity” remains inclusive of all geopolitical interests.

In a statement signed on Saturday, Akeme noted that while the recent area councils’ government elections empowered indigenous leadership, National Assembly representation—particularly for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency—must reflect the cosmopolitan and non-indigenous majority that drives the FCT’s economy.

“Abuja is the heart of Nigeria, and its leadership must be a mirror of our national diversity. We are calling on the Honourable Minister of the FCT, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the APC leadership to uphold the principle of Southern equity, which has been the hallmark of this administration,” the statement added.

The forum further hinted at a “solidarity visit” to the Minister’s office this week to formally present its Southern Equity Manifesto and discuss strategic alignment ahead of the APC primaries.

Describing its composition and mission, the statement noted: “The Southern Residents Stakeholders Forum (FCT Chapter) is a non-partisan, high-level consultative body comprising community leaders, professionals, business owners, and youth advocates from the 17 Southern states of Nigeria who are resident in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The forum serves as a strategic platform for promoting geopolitical equity, social inclusion, and the protection of the political interests of the non-indigenous majority in Abuja.

“The forum is committed to the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the Federal Government and seeks to ensure that the FCT remains a true ‘Center of Unity’ where every resident, regardless of their ancestral home, has a voice in governance and representation.”