By Blessing Bature
Former Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has called for discipline, transparency, and fairness within the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that internal corruption and impunity have previously cost the party electoral victories.
He cited disputes arising from party primaries and candidate selection processes, particularly in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils, as clear examples of internal mismanagement that have weakened the party’s fortunes.
Candido urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take a firm stand in repositioning the APC ahead of future elections by ensuring credible leadership at all levels and restoring discipline within the party structure.
According to him, only a transparent and fair internal process would strengthen party unity and rebuild confidence among members and supporters.
On land grabbing in the FCT, Candido noted that while the current administration is making efforts to address the problem, the crisis is largely a result of failures by successive administrations.
He explained that the proliferation of fake land allocation documents and the activities of fraudulent estate developers have fueled disputes between indigenous communities and alleged landowners.
He called for a comprehensive review of land allocation processes and stricter enforcement of regulations to protect indigenous landowners and curb illegal land acquisitions, stressing that all issues must be addressed decisively to ensure justice for all parties involved.
On the recent increase in taxes and levies by the FCT Administration, Candido defended the policy, describing taxation as a necessary tool for development and service delivery under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed that no nation grows without citizens contributing through taxes.
“If taxes are friendly and affordable, citizens should pay them and demand accountability. You cannot expect good roads, electricity, water, and other services without paying taxes,” he said, adding that government must be held accountable where taxes are collected without corresponding services.
He cited the removal of fuel subsidy as a bold but necessary policy that has increased revenue for states and local governments.
According to him, this is the first time subnational governments are receiving significantly higher allocations, and citizens should now demand improved services from their state and local leaders.
While acknowledging the hardship faced by Nigerians, Candido urged patience, saying reforms take time to yield results.
He called on government agencies to listen to citizens’ complaints and introduce measures to cushion the harsh effects of economic policies.
“As a member of the ruling party and also a Nigerian citizen, I believe the government must always listen to the cries of the people and find ways to ease the burden of its policies,” he said.
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