Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat, Professor Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, has called for an end to what he described as “career politics without measurable impact,” insisting that the nation’s capital urgently requires leadership anchored on competence, innovation and delivery.
Asikhia made the remarks following a high-level consultation with the leadership of the Zenith Labour Party in Abuja, a meeting that has further intensified discussions around his emergence as the party’s candidate for the FCT Senate seat.
The engagement, held at the party’s national secretariat, brought together the National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party and its 2027 presidential candidate, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, alongside the National Legal Adviser, Barrister ThankGod Enahoro.
Speaking after the meeting, the Zenith LP candidate said the time had come to shift away from symbolic politics toward results-driven governance.
“The FCT cannot continue to run on political rhetoric. It must be a model of development, efficiency and accountability. Unfortunately, many communities still face deficits in infrastructure, housing, healthcare, security and economic opportunity,” he said.
Asikhia argued that public office must no longer be treated as political reward, but as a responsibility requiring proven competence and delivery capacity.
“Leadership is not about longevity in politics; it is about impact. It is about solving problems, creating opportunities and ensuring that governance reflects the realities of the people,” he stated.
He said Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, should reflect the highest standard of national development, but noted that many satellite communities remain underserved despite the city’s symbolic importance.
“It is unacceptable that the seat of power still contains communities struggling with basic needs. The gap between expectation and reality must be closed through deliberate and accountable leadership,” he said.
Asikhia, founder of the Festrut Group with interests in real estate, construction, healthcare, logistics and education, said his transition into politics is driven by a desire to apply private-sector discipline to public governance.
He said his experience in building and managing complex organisations has shaped his understanding of accountability and results-based leadership.
“In business, you are judged by performance, not promises. That same standard must apply to governance if we are serious about development,” he said.
The Zenith LP candidate identified youth unemployment, housing shortages, weak infrastructure and limited economic inclusion as urgent challenges confronting the Federal Capital Territory.
He called for policies that prioritise skills development, entrepreneurship and job creation, noting that Nigeria’s youth population remains its greatest asset.
“We must build systems that allow young people to thrive, not struggle for survival. Development must be inclusive and intentional,” he added.
Asikhia also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, saying sustainable development cannot be achieved by government alone.
Political observers say his growing profile within the Zenith Labour Party reflects increasing voter appetite for candidates with demonstrable professional and academic track records.
As consultations continue ahead of the next electoral cycle, the Zenith LP candidate maintained that his ambition is rooted in service rather than personal ambition.
“The FCT deserves leadership that delivers, not politics as usual. If given the mandate, I intend to translate experience into impact and ideas into results,” he said.