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Tag: Aisha Yesufu

  • Aisha Yesufu Confronts NDC Leaders Over FCT Senate Ticket Dispute

    Prominent activist and politician Aisha Yesufu has publicly challenged leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over what she described as irregularities in the party’s process for selecting its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

    A video circulating on social media shows Yesufu confronting party officials at the NDC secretariat in Abuja, demanding explanations over decisions that allegedly altered the original primary election arrangements.

    Dispute Over FCT Senate Primary

    Yesufu, who joined the NDC in May 2026 after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had declared her intention to contest for the FCT Senate seat.

    However, she later withdrew from the race, alleging that the primary election process was manipulated through repeated postponements, venue changes and a shift from a planned direct primary to a delegate-based system.

    According to her, the changes created an uneven playing field and ultimately favoured another aspirant.

    In the video, Yesufu is seen addressing party leaders and questioning the handling of communications surrounding the nomination process.

    Raises Concerns About Internal Democracy

    Speaking during the confrontation, Yesufu expressed disappointment over what she described as a lack of transparency within the party.

    She said her name had been subjected to public criticism during the process but noted that she initially chose not to speak publicly in order to preserve party unity.

    Despite her grievances, the activist maintained that her concerns were about strengthening democratic practices within the opposition movement rather than pursuing personal interests.

    Withdraws From Race

    Following the controversy, Yesufu confirmed her withdrawal from the senatorial contest, arguing that the process violated principles of fairness and undermined confidence in internal party democracy.

    She stated that while she disagreed with the outcome, she would not immediately seek legal redress.

    Instead, she said her focus remains on supporting opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Incident

    The confrontation has generated varied reactions among political observers and supporters.

    While some praised Yesufu for demanding accountability from party leaders, others argued that internal negotiations and political compromises are common features of party politics.

    The NDC has yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations raised by Yesufu.

     

  • Wike Mocks Aisha Yesufu Over Failed FCT Senate Bid in NDC Primary

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at activist Aisha Yesufu following her inability to emerge as the senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a luncheon for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He mocked the outspoken activist, describing her as someone who speaks “grammar” but could not secure victory in what he called a simple party primary.

    Wike’s Remarks

    According to Wike, Yesufu had previously criticised him as a government appointee, insisting she had no business engaging with political office holders.

    He said:

    “There’s one woman who said Wike is an appointee of government and that she has no business with appointees. You speak grammar, speak grammar.

    “Ordinary primary of NDC, not APC or PDP, just ordinary NDC, what happened? She didn’t make it.

    “It’s easy for people to talk. When they enter into those media houses, they begin to churn out data from nowhere.

    “Now, the time for data has come. What happened? Fa fa fa foul. It didn’t work. If e didn’t dey? E didn’t dey.”

    Background to the Dispute

    Aisha Yesufu had earlier accused the NDC of undermining its internal democratic process in the selection of its FCT senatorial candidate, alleging that the exercise was manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome.

    Her comments and political involvement have continued to generate reactions across political and civic spaces, especially as the build-up to the 2027 elections intensifies.

  • Aisha Yesufu Withdraws From NDC FCT Senate Race After Party Halts Primaries

    Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has stepped down from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after the party reportedly decided not to hold primaries for the seat.

    The development, confirmed on Friday, effectively ends her short-lived ambition to contest for the FCT senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Party Decision Alters Political Calculations

    According to Yesufu, the NDC leadership resolved not to conduct internal elections for the senatorial seat in the FCT, a decision that automatically reshaped the contest within the party.

    She noted that while senatorial primaries were suspended, the party would still proceed with House of Representatives primaries in the FCT.

    “Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she said.

    Supporters Urged to Remain Focused

    Despite stepping back from the race, Yesufu urged her supporters not to lose focus, stressing that the broader political goal ahead of 2027 remains unchanged.

    She encouraged members of her support base to continue mobilising around wider electoral participation, particularly at the presidential level.

    “I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she added.

    Campaign Movement and Grassroots Engagement

    Yesufu also expressed appreciation to supporters of the #AishaForSenate movement, describing their backing as encouraging during her brief campaign period.

    She said she would continue her engagements across the six area councils of the FCT, promising to sustain her advocacy and grassroots outreach despite withdrawing from the race.

    “In the coming week I will be returning back to all the 6 Area Councils God willing to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she said.

    Political Realignments Within NDC

    Yesufu had only recently declared her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat on May 6, shortly after joining the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a desire to participate more directly in political leadership.

    Her withdrawal comes amid speculation of internal realignments within the party over the FCT senatorial structure, although the NDC has not issued an official clarification.

    The development adds another layer to early political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties continue internal restructuring and candidate selection processes.

  • Aisha Yesufu Dumps ADC, Declares FCT Senate Bid After Joining NDC

    Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where she has declared her intention to contest the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

    She made the announcement on Wednesday via a statement shared on her X handle.

    Defection tied to Obi’s political move

    Yesufu linked her decision to her continued support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who recently moved to the NDC.

    She said her latest political step reflects a deeper conviction about Nigeria’s future and alignment with Obi’s leadership.

    “The next couple of days will define the future of this nation… I resigned from the ADC to join the NDC as I follow the leadership of HE Peter Obi,” she stated.

    “I’m running for FCT Senate”

    The activist confirmed that she would be contesting for the FCT senatorial seat under the platform of the NDC.

    “This time I am joining the NDC not just as a member but as one running for the FCT Senatorial seat,” she added.

    Explains exit from ADC

    Yesufu described her resignation as a “clean transition”, noting that her initial move to the ADC was also influenced by her support for Obi.

    She said her defection is a continuation of that commitment.

    “When I give my word, I keep it… To continue to honour the promise I am joining the NDC,” she said.

    Appreciates party members

    She also expressed gratitude to members of the ADC, stating that she had completed her responsibilities within the party.

    According to her, she served in multiple roles including sub-committee chair, deputy committee chair, and secretary.