Activist and senatorial aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Aisha Yesufu, has rejected the notion that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike would significantly influence her political aspirations, emphasizing that her primary goal is to obtain the people’s mandate rather than engage with political appointees.
Yesufu, previously affiliated with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made these remarks during an interview on Sunday Politics.
She stated that her foremost objective is to secure the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
She said, “There are some people who have said they are going to take over Abuja and all of that. We want to give people a viable option that they can be proud of and passionate about.
“I don’t have a Wike to contend with because that’s an appointee. I’m not in the business of appointments. I’m in the business of looking for the mandate of the people. Wike is an appointee; I have no business with appointees.”
The activist urged Abuja residents and members of the NDC to support her during the party primaries, stressing that public popularity alone would not guarantee victory without active participation from supporters.
“Yes, people may assume I already have it, but that is not enough. I need people to come out and vote during the primaries,” she added.
Yesufu indicated that she would commence engaging with other candidates in the race only after she has emerged as the party’s flagbearer.
She cited current FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe and former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda as individuals she would address following the securing of her ticket.
The activist also disclosed that she has finalized consultations and screening processes in preparation for the election, conveying her confidence that she would introduce “a breath of fresh air” to politics and maintain accountability to her constituents if elected.
Regarding the internal crisis affecting the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Yesufu characterized the situation as “heartbreaking” and detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing that robust political parties are crucial for national advancement.
The competition for the FCT Senatorial seat in the lead-up to the 2027 elections is developing around three primary contenders: incumbent Senator Kingibe, former Senator Philip Aduda, and Yesufu, should she secure her party’s nomination.
Kingibe obtained the ADC ticket following a decisive primary victory, while Aduda has been nominated as the APC candidate.
Nevertheless, there are ongoing concerns regarding the significant political influence of Wike in the senatorial district, particularly in light of his engagement in local politics and the recent FCT council elections.
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