Kwali Traditional Rulers Pledge Support for Tinubu's Re-election

Traditional rulers in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. The Etsu Kwali, Luka Nizassan, made the declaration on behalf of the Kwali Council of Chiefs. He stated that the four paramount chiefs, 15 district heads, and communities across the area council had been mobilised to support Tinubu. This pledge was made during an interactive meeting in Kwali on Monday.

The Etsu Kwali commended President Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for their efforts in recognising indigenous communities, implementing institutional reforms, and developing infrastructure in the territory. He noted that the FCT had witnessed significant improvements under Tinubu's administration, particularly in the recognition of its indigenous people. For decades, indigenous FCT residents had struggled for adequate representation in national affairs, a situation Nizassan described as living in a country without enjoying the full benefits of political inclusion.

Nizassan recalled that indigenous FCT residents had faced decades of political exclusion. However, he commended Tinubu for addressing this situation through constitutional provisions. The appointment of Jisalo, a representative of the indigenous people, to a key national position was cited as a significant breakthrough. This move was seen as a step towards adequate representation for the indigenous people of the FCT.

The monarch also praised Wike for implementing the existing legal framework that established a full-fledged civil service for the FCT. This reform had created career opportunities for indigenous residents to rise to senior positions in the territory's public service. Nizassan mentioned Mrs Florence Okonkwo, Permanent Secretary of the Transport Secretariat, and the Acting Director of Works as beneficiaries of the expanded opportunities.

In addition to these achievements, Nizassan highlighted the completion of several road projects in Kwali. The Dr Ladi Kwali Road, which had been abandoned for over 13 years, was completed, along with the Sukuku-Yangoji Road and connecting routes from A2 to Pai, Pai to Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada to Dafa, and Dafa to Yangoji. These projects had significantly improved connectivity across Kwali's 10 political wards.

The completion of these road projects had connected several communities and political wards. Nizassan also mentioned that the Kwali-Yangoji Road would further improve access to the area's central ward and the FCT capital. The traditional rulers' pledge of support for Tinubu's re-election is seen as a testament to the president's efforts in developing the FCT and recognising its indigenous people.

The Etsu Kwali's declaration of support for Tinubu's re-election in 2027 was made on behalf of the Kwali Council of Chiefs. The traditional rulers' bloc support for the president is expected to have a significant impact on the 2027 election. Three key points emerge from this development: the traditional rulers' recognition of Tinubu's efforts in developing the FCT, their appreciation for the president's attention to the indigenous people of the territory, and their pledge of massive support for his re-election.

Key points

• The traditional rulers in Kwali Area Council of FCT have pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
• The Etsu Kwali commended Tinubu and Wike for their efforts in recognising indigenous communities and developing infrastructure in the FCT.
• The completion of several road projects in Kwali had significantly improved connectivity across the area council's 10 political wards.