Professor Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat, is pitching himself as a candidate who can bring private-sector efficiency, academic rigour, and governance expertise to public office.
Asikhia recently held strategic discussions with the ZLP leadership in Abuja, which is widely viewed as a decisive step toward clinching the party’s FCT senatorial ticket.
Speaking after the meeting, the aspirant said that the FCT needs representation anchored on practical solutions, not political grandstanding.
“The FCT is one of the most important territories in Nigeria. It should be a model of development, innovation, and effective governance. Yet many communities still struggle with infrastructure, housing, unemployment, healthcare, and economic opportunities,” he said.
He identified youth unemployment, housing deficits, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development as areas requiring urgent legislative attention in the FCT.
According to him, Abuja’s growing population demands innovative approaches that deliver sustainable growth and ensure 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 requires strategic partnerships.
As consultations continue within the Zenith Labour Party on its electoral strategy, political stakeholders are closely watching Asikhia’s next move.
For many, his potential emergence as a senatorial candidate reflects a broader shift in voter expectations — one that increasingly favours competence, experience, and proven achievement over conventional political credentials.
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 allowed to serve, my commitment will be to translate experience into impact and ideas into tangible results for the people.”
He argued that public office should be held by people who have both the will to serve and the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes.
“Leadership is ultimately about results. It is about identifying problems, creating solutions, and ensuring citizens feel the impact of government policies in their daily lives. That philosophy has guided my entire professional career.”
Asikhia noted that his career has been defined by entrepreneurship, saying that as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Festrut Group, he leads a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, construction, healthcare, logistics, transportation, consulting, and education.
He stated that, over the years, the group has executed projects that have created jobs and boosted economic activity across several sectors.
“Running successful organisations teaches accountability, resource management, and long-term planning. Those are the same qualities needed in governance,” Asikhia noted.
He said that beyond business, he has built a strong academic profile that has earned him national and international recognition, saying, “A Professor of Governance and Leadership, I have studied across multiple disciplines, including sociology, business administration, law, health management, and psychology. My academic journey spans respected institutions in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Despite his achievements, Asikhia insists that leadership is ultimately defined by service, saying: “The purpose of knowledge is impact. The purpose of leadership is service. Every experience I’ve gained has reinforced my belief that governance must focus on improving lives.”
