Prominent activist and politician Aisha Yesufu has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory following the party’s reported decision not to conduct primaries for the seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key Highlights:
- Aisha Yesufu withdraws from FCT Senate race
- NDC reportedly cancels primaries for Abuja senatorial seat
- Activist urges supporters to focus on 2027 presidential election
- Yesufu promises continued engagement across FCT area councils
- Speculation grows over possible NDC preferred candidate
- Politician recently defected from ADC to NDC
The development, announced on Friday, effectively ends Yesufu’s bid to represent the FCT in the Senate under the platform of the NDC.
Explaining her decision, Yesufu disclosed that the party resolved not to hold internal elections for the FCT senatorial ticket, a move she said significantly altered the political landscape surrounding the contest in Abuja.
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“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 stated.
Despite stepping down from the race, the activist appealed to her supporters to remain committed to the broader political objective ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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.
Yesufu also expressed appreciation to supporters of the #AishaForSenate movement, describing the support and enthusiasm shown during her brief campaign as encouraging.
Looking ahead, she said she would continue engaging residents across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory as part of her advocacy for reforms and improved governance in Abuja.
“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.
The activist had only recently declared her intention to contest the FCT senatorial seat on May 6 after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC.
At the time, she said her decision to join the race was driven by a desire to play a more direct role in political leadership and governance.
Her withdrawal has since triggered speculation that the NDC may already be backing another aspirant for the FCT Senate seat, although the party has yet to officially clarify its position on the matter.
Political observers say the development could influence the emerging political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, especially within opposition circles in the Federal Capital Territory.
