By Our Correspondent

As politicians engage in wide consultations to fashion out best strategy to win the 2027 general election, Professor Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, who is expected to fly the flag of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat, has positioned himself as a candidate seeking to bring private-sector efficiency, academic excellence and governance expertise into public office.

The renowned entrepreneur, scholar and governance specialist recently held strategic discussions with the leadership of the Zenith Labour Party in Abuja, in what is widely seen as a significant step toward securing the party’s senatorial ticket for the FCT.

For many observers, the engagement signals the emergence of a candidate whose profile extends beyond traditional politics. Supporters argue that Asikhia’s experience in business, education, healthcare administration and leadership development offers a unique blend of skills needed to address the challenges facing residents of the nation’s capital.

Speaking after the meeting with party leaders, Asikhia said the Federal Capital Territory requires representation focused on practical solutions rather than political grandstanding.

“The FCT is one of the most important territories in Nigeria. It should be a model of development, innovation and effective governance. Unfortunately, many communities still struggle with challenges relating to infrastructure, housing, unemployment, healthcare and economic opportunities,” he said.

According to him, public office should be occupied by individuals who not only have the desire to serve, but also the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes.
“Leadership is ultimately about results.

It is about identifying problems, creating solutions and ensuring that citizens feel the impact of government policies in their daily lives. That is the philosophy that has guided me throughout my professional career.”
Asikhia’s career has been largely shaped by entrepreneurship. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Festrut Group, he oversees a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, construction, healthcare, logistics, transportation, consulting and education.
Over the years, the group has executed projects that have created jobs and contributed to economic activity across multiple sectors.
Supporters believe his experience in managing large-scale enterprises has equipped him with the strategic thinking and administrative discipline required for legislative responsibilities.
“Running successful organisations teaches accountability, resource management and long-term planning. Those are the same qualities needed in governance,” Asikhia noted.
Beyond business, he has built a strong academic profile that has earned him recognition within national and international circles.
A Professor of Governance and Leadership, Asikhia has pursued studies across multiple disciplines, including sociology, business administration, law, health management and psychology. His academic journey has taken him through respected institutions in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
He currently holds leadership positions within higher education institutions and contributes to research and policy discussions on governance, leadership and national development.
Despite his achievements, Asikhia insists that leadership is ultimately defined by service to the people.
“The purpose of knowledge is impact. The purpose of leadership is service. Every experience I have gained over the years has reinforced my belief that governance must be centred on improving lives.”
He identified youth unemployment, housing deficits, economic empowerment and infrastructure development as key areas requiring urgent legislative attention in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, Abuja’s growing population demands innovative approaches capable of delivering sustainable growth while ensuring that development reaches both urban centres and satellite communities.
“We must build an economy that creates opportunities for young people. We must strengthen access to quality healthcare and education. We must address housing challenges and support infrastructure that improves productivity and quality of life.”
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions and the private sector, arguing that sustainable development can only be achieved through strategic partnerships.
As consultations continue within the Zenith Labour Party over its electoral strategy, political stakeholders are closely watching Asikhia’s next move.
For many, his possible emergence as a senatorial candidate reflects a broader shift in voter expectations—one increasingly favouring competence, experience and demonstrable achievement over conventional political credentials.
As the political landscape takes shape, Asikhia maintains that his aspiration is driven by a desire to contribute to nation-building and unlock the full potential of the Federal Capital Territory.
“The FCT deserves representation that is proactive, visionary and accountable. If given the opportunity to serve, my commitment will be to translate experience into impact and ideas into tangible results for the people.”
For supporters, that promise captures the appeal of a candidate seeking to transform years of boardroom success into meaningful legislative service.

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Wednesday at plenary urged the Federal Government to immediately direct all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted 49 school children, teachers and a toddler by armed kidnappers in Ahoro-Esiele and adjoining communities of Orire.

It also called on the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.

The Red Chamber Condemned the abduction of the school
children, teachers and toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and commiserate with the affected families, communities and the Government of Oyo State.

These resolutions of the Senate followed a motion
Sponsored Senator Buhari Abdulfatai tagged “THE ABDUCTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN, TEACHERS AND A
TODDLER IN ORIIRE LoCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE”

In his submission, Senator Abdulfatai noted with grave alarm and deep national outrage the abduction of
rorty-Nine (49) people comprising school children, teachers and a toddler by armed kidnappers in Ahoro-Esiele and adjoining communities of Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Three (3) were shot, One (1) beheaded, while Forty-Five (45) remain in captivity;

He said that the victims were abducted from a learning environment which ought to symbolize safety, hope and the future of our Nation.

” Deeply disturbed that among those held in captivity is a toddler whose age and vulnerability underscores the cruelty and inhumanity of the
perpetrators;

” Saddened that one of the victims of the brutal attack, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher was beheaded in a gruesome manner and recorded for public to watch. This was a most barbaric act, which has struck fear into the people of the State, and Nigerians at large.

“Concerned that the incident has generated anxiety and public outrage while raising serious concerns about the security of schools and rural communities across the Federation;

Continuing Senator Abdulfatai,”OBSERVES that when schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the
future of the Nation itself is imperiled.

“Oberves the visit of the Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser,the Minister of Defence and the Inspector-General of Police, to Oriire Local Government on Sunday, 31st May, 2026 to commiserate with the families of the victims.”

Virtually all senators present at Wednesday plenary supported the motion.

By George Mgbeleke

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) says the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Okigwe Zone has triggered widespread excitement and renewed optimism across the six local government areas of Imo North, with many constituents viewing his return as the beginning of a political renaissance for a district that has suffered years of underrepresentation and neglect.
HURIWA said from reports reaching the organization, communities across Okigwe Senatorial District are celebrating what many describe as the return of a tested leader, accomplished industrialist, respected statesman and experienced parliamentarian whose previous tenure in the Senate brought visibility, influence and tangible benefits to the zone.

The association in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie,commended the APC for resisting pressures and ultimately presenting a candidate with proven political capacity, national reach and deep grassroots acceptance.

According to HURIWA, Araraume remains one of the most accomplished political figures ever produced by Okigwe Zone, having built a reputation as a fearless advocate who spoke boldly for his constituents and ensured that the district occupied a strategic place in national discourse.
The group said many residents now see his emergence as a ray of hope after what they describe as a prolonged period in which the voice of Okigwe became increasingly faint within the corridors of power.

“Across communities in Okigwe Zone, there is a growing belief that light may finally be appearing at the end of the tunnel. The people have yearned for forceful, visible and effective representation. They want a senator whose voice carries weight, whose influence attracts development and whose presence commands attention at the national level,” HURIWA stated.

The rights body lamented that since the inauguration of the current National Assembly in June 2023, the district has witnessed what many constituents regard as one of the weakest periods of representation in its democratic history.
According to HURIWA, worsening insecurity, deteriorating federal infrastructure, rising youth unemployment, declining economic opportunities and the absence of significant federal interventions have left many communities frustrated and disillusioned.

The association noted that thousands of highly educated young people across Okigwe Senatorial District remain unemployed despite possessing the skills and qualifications needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.

HURIWA argued that the district has struggled to secure the scale of federal attention, strategic projects and developmental initiatives required to unlock its enormous human and economic potential.

“The people of Okigwe deserve far more than symbolic representation. They deserve a senator who can effectively negotiate, influence policy, attract federal investments and aggressively pursue the interests of the zone. The growing enthusiasm surrounding Senator Araraume’s emergence reflects that expectation,” the statement added.

The group further observed that the 2027 National Assembly elections in Imo State are shaping up to be one of the fiercest and most consequential political contests in the state’s history.

HURIWA particularly applauded the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for producing Mrs. Ibekwe Nkiruka Imma as its senatorial candidate for Okigwe Zone, describing her emergence as a groundbreaking achievement for women in Imo politics.

According to the association, the ADC has demonstrated courage by opening the political space to female participation and giving voters an opportunity to evaluate leadership beyond traditional political considerations.
The organization also commended the Action People’s Party (APP) for returning Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere as its candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency.

HURIWA described Ugochinyere as one of the most visible and active lawmakers in the current House of Representatives, citing his interventions in road rehabilitation, educational support programmes, healthcare projects, youth empowerment schemes, constituency outreach initiatives and his vocal defense of democratic principles.

The group said Ugochinyere’s performance has set a benchmark for constituency representation and expressed confidence that a second term would enable him to consolidate and expand ongoing development initiatives across Ideato North and South.

HURIWA further noted that Governor Hope Uzodinma’s decision to seek election to the Senate from Orlu Zone has dramatically altered the political equation in Imo State, raising the stakes and attracting national attention to the state’s senatorial contests.

The association stated that the calibre of candidates now emerging across the three senatorial zones presents a unique opportunity for Imo State to reclaim a more influential position within Nigeria’s political architecture.
“Imo State today requires more than routine political representation.
The state needs aggressive advocacy for transformative federal investments, industrial expansion, modern transportation networks, energy infrastructure, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, technology hubs and large-scale employment opportunities for its growing youth population.
“The era when federal presence in Imo could be measured only by roads, prisons and security formations must give way to an era of strategic economic and infrastructural development capable of transforming the fortunes of the state.”

HURIWA therefore urged voters across Imo State to carefully assess candidates based on competence, performance, vision, influence and capacity to deliver measurable results.

The association maintained that the 2027 elections present a historic opportunity for the people of Imo State to choose leaders capable of restoring the state’s voice, influence and developmental relevance at the national level.