Obi ally Aisha Yesufu out of FCT senate race

Rights activist and Peter Obi ally, Aisha Yesufu, has withdrawn from the Federal Capital Territory senatorial race under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, after the party decided not to conduct a primary for the seat.

Yesufu had, on May 6, declared her intention to contest the FCT senatorial election in 2027 after joining the NDC from the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

But her ambition suffered a major setback following the party’s decision to skip the FCT senatorial primary.

In a statement on Friday, Yesufu said the NDC would not be holding primaries for the FCT Senate seat, although it would proceed with primaries for House of Representatives positions in the territory.

“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.

Her statement came amid reports and speculation that the party’s FCT Senate ticket had been ceded to Amanda Pam, another aspirant said to have been in the party before Yesufu joined.

The NDC had earlier dismissed reports of fake primary results circulating in its name, insisting that its primaries were scheduled for May 29, 2026, and that any purported result before then should be ignored.

Yesufu, however, urged her supporters to remain calm and focus on what she described as the bigger political objective ahead of the 2027 general 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 thanked supporters of her senatorial project for their commitment.

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

The activist said she would return to the six area councils of the FCT to appreciate residents who supported her ambition.

“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.