Activist and outspoken supporter of Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu, has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat after the party decided not to conduct primaries for the position.
Yesufu had announced her intention to contest the 2027 FCT senatorial election on May 6 after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC. She had explained at the time that her decision to seek elective office was influenced by the leadership experience she gained while in the ADC.
Her withdrawal follows speculation within political circles that the party may have already settled for another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who had been a member of the NDC before Yesufu joined the party.
Confirming her decision in a statement issued on Friday, Yesufu disclosed that the party had opted against organising primaries for the FCT senatorial seat, a development that effectively brought her ambition 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 House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she stated.
Despite stepping down from the race, the activist urged her supporters not to lose focus, stressing that the larger objective remains 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 said.
She also expressed gratitude to supporters who backed her senatorial ambition.
“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards #AishaForSenate project,” she added.
Yesufu further assured residents of the FCT that her commitment to the development of the territory remains intact, pledging to continue engaging communities across the six area councils.
“In the coming week, I will be returning back to all the six Area Councils, God willing, to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she said.
Her withdrawal marks a fresh twist in the build-up to the 2027 elections, particularly within the NDC, where internal decisions around candidate selection are already drawing attention.
