The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Juliet Muoneme, has dismissed former Senator Philip Aduda as a threat to her 2027 ambition, saying his 20 years in the National Assembly should give residents enough basis to assess his record.
Muoneme spoke on Friday in Abuja during a media engagement with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE).
She outlined her plans for the six area councils and expressed confidence in challenging established political interests in the territory.
Aduda, who is seeking to return to the National Assembly in 2027, had represented the FCT in the House of Representatives for 8 years and in the Senate for 12 years.
But Muoneme said his long tenure meant residents already had enough evidence to judge him.
“This same FCT, he was here for eight years as a House of Representatives member. This same FCT Senate, he was there for 12 years, meaning 20 years he has been running affairs of FCT,” she said.
“If he was that efficient with a lot of projects here and there, does he even need to come out? It is people who should be asking him to recontest,” she added.
The PRP candidate said her leadership philosophy would prioritize mentoring younger leaders.
“With the kind of person I am and with my own kind of ideology, I must have had a lot of mentees through my mentorship programme if privileged to serve for just eight years,” she said.
Muoneme also downplayed suggestions that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike poses an obstacle to her ambition.
“Wike is a minister. He is not looking for FCT Senate. He has his work as a minister… A minister has his role. A senator has her role. So where exactly is the clash?” she asked.
She cautioned against claims of endorsements, saying such should only be taken seriously if declared publicly by the minister.
On party strength, Muoneme argued that “candidates make party”, citing the rise of the Labour Party as an example.
She noted that PRP, founded in 1978, is not a new political organisation.
Her campaign, she said, would be anchored on the FCT RISE Agenda: Representation, Research, Innovation, Inclusion, Stewardship, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment.
Key proposals include:
Affordable Housing: Collaboration among government, developers and financial institutions to expand mortgage access.
Automobile Hub: A centre for mechanics, electricians and engineering graduates for practical training.
Youth Engagement: Skills acquisition in tailoring, hairdressing, tie-and-dye, and revolving loan schemes to curb insecurity.
Livestock Management: Advocacy for ranching to address conflicts between motorists and cattle in the FCT.
Muoneme rejected the notion that Nigerian politics is “dirty”, saying the perception discourages competent people from public service.
“Politics is not dirty. Politics is about leadership. Politics is service,” she said.
She stressed her ambition covers all six area councils, not just AMAC where she resides.
“I have come as that voice for those area councils that have not been getting the dividends of democracy in terms of development,” she said.
The PRP candidate also condemned vote buying, urging voters to choose candidates based on credibility, competence, and capacity to deliver.