The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat in the 2027 elections, Dr Juliet Muoneme, has dismissed former Senator Philip Aduda as a threat to her ambition, saying FCT residents have had sufficient time to assess his performance after two decades in the National Assembly.
Muoneme spoke on Friday in Abuja during a media engagement with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), where she outlined her plans for the territory and expressed confidence in her ability to challenge established political interests.
Aduda represented the FCT in the House of Representatives for eight years before serving 12 years in the Senate. He is seeking a return to the National Assembly in 2027.
Speaking on his candidacy, Muoneme said residents should evaluate his record after 20 years in office.
She questioned the rationale behind another bid, arguing that if his tenure had delivered significant results, public demand rather than personal ambition should drive a return to office.
The PRP candidate said her leadership approach would focus on mentorship and succession planning, adding that she would seek to develop young leaders during her tenure if elected.
Muoneme also dismissed suggestions that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike could pose a political obstacle to her campaign.
According to her, the minister’s responsibilities differ from those of a senator, making any perceived rivalry unnecessary.
She cautioned against claims that Wike had endorsed any candidate, saying such assertions should not be accepted without a public declaration from the minister himself.
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT under Wike’s leadership, Muoneme maintained that the roles of minister and senator remain distinct.
On the prospects of the PRP against larger political parties, she argued that political parties derive strength from the popularity and credibility of their candidates.
She noted that the PRP, founded in 1978, is an established political platform and not a new entrant in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Muoneme said her campaign would be driven by the FCT RISE Agenda, which focuses on Representation, Research, Innovation, Inclusion, Stewardship, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment.
She identified affordable housing as a major priority, proposing collaboration among government agencies, developers and financial institutions to increase access to home ownership through mortgage schemes.
The PRP candidate also proposed the establishment of an automobile hub to bring together mechanics, electricians and other professionals while providing technical training opportunities for engineering graduates.
Highlighting her background in human-capacity development, Muoneme said she had previously worked with youths affected by drug abuse and other social challenges by supporting skills acquisition programmes in trades such as tailoring, hairdressing and tie-and-dye production.
She explained that some beneficiaries of the programmes received loans that were repaid into revolving funds to support additional participants.
According to her, youth empowerment remains a critical strategy for addressing insecurity and social tensions.
Muoneme rejected the characterization of politics as a dirty venture, arguing that such perceptions have discouraged capable Nigerians from participating in governance.
She said her professional experience in education, research, entrepreneurship and human-capacity development would influence her legislative agenda if elected.
The PRP candidate stressed that her campaign would target all six area councils of the FCT and not just the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where she resides.
She said her ambition was to provide representation for communities that have not adequately benefited from government development initiatives.
On recurring conflicts involving motorists and cattle in parts of the FCT, Muoneme advocated ranching and a more structured livestock management system.
She also spoke against vote buying, urging voters to assess candidates based on credibility, competence and capacity rather than financial inducements.
