Aisha Yesufu bows out of FCT Senate contest, urges focus on 2027 Presidency

By James Ike

Activist and prominent Peter Obi ally, Aisha Yesufu, has withdrawn from the race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ending her short-lived bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yesufu had announced her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat on May 6 after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, stating that her leadership experience within the party inspired her ambition.

However, reports of internal party realignments emerged in recent weeks, with indications that the NDC was leaning towards another aspirant, Amanda Pam, a longstanding member of the party, for the coveted ticket.

Confirming her withdrawal in a statement on Friday, Yesufu disclosed that the NDC had decided against conducting primaries for the FCT senatorial seat, effectively bringing her campaign to an end.

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

Despite the setback, Yesufu urged her supporters to remain focused on the broader political goal of securing victory in the 2027 presidential election.

“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 stated.

She also expressed gratitude to supporters who backed her senatorial aspiration.

“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards the #AishaForSenate project,” she added.

Yesufu further revealed plans to continue engaging residents across the FCT, saying she would visit all six Area Councils in the coming weeks to thank them for their support and advance her vision for a better capital territory.

The development underscores ongoing political adjustments within the NDC as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.