Aisha Yesufu withdraws from NDC FCT Senate contest

Aisha Yesufu, activist and prominent ally of Peter Obi, has stepped down from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Yesufu announced her withdrawal on Friday amid reports that the party had resolved not to conduct primaries for the FCT Senate seat.

The activist, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, had declared her intention to contest for the FCT senatorial position on May 6.

She had said at the time that her decision to seek elective office was inspired by her political experience and participation in party-building activities within the ADC.

However, speculation emerged in recent days that the NDC leadership was considering handing the FCT senatorial ticket to another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who had reportedly been in the party before Yesufu’s defection.

Confirming the development in a statement, Yesufu said the party had decided against holding primaries for the Senate seat 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 stated.

Although she did not directly mention the reason for her withdrawal, political observers believe the decision may be connected to internal arrangements within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yesufu has remained one of the most vocal civil rights advocates in Nigeria and a strong supporter of Peter Obi’s political movement in recent years.