Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has stepped back from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial contest for the Federal Capital Territory, following the party’s decision not to hold primaries for the seat.
The development, announced on Friday, effectively brings an end—at least for now—to her bid to represent the FCT in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
According to Yesufu, the party has resolved not to conduct internal elections for the senatorial ticket in the FCT, a move that automatically alters the political calculations around the race in Abuja.
“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.
Despite withdrawing from the race, Yesufu urged her supporters not to be discouraged, insisting that the broader political mission ahead of the 2027 elections remains unchanged.
“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.
She also expressed gratitude to supporters of the #AishaForSenate movement, describing their engagement and commitment as encouraging throughout her short-lived campaign journey.
Looking ahead, the activist said she would continue her outreach across the FCT, promising to revisit all six area councils in the coming days to appreciate residents and sustain her advocacy for reforms in the capital.
“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.
Yesufu had only recently declared her intention to contest the FCT senatorial seat on May 6, shortly after joining the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing her desire to contribute more directly to political leadership.
Her withdrawal comes amid growing speculation within political circles that the party may have already aligned its FCT Senate structure around another aspirant, though the NDC has yet to issue an official clarification on the matter.
