Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the party’s decision not to conduct primaries for the seat.
The development, announced on Friday, effectively ends—at least for now—her bid to represent the FCT in the 2027 general elections under the party’s platform.
According to Yesufu, the party resolved not to hold internal elections for the senatorial ticket in the FCT, a decision that automatically reshaped the political direction of the race in Abuja.
“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.
Despite stepping down from the contest, she urged her supporters not to be discouraged, stressing that the broader political goal remains unchanged.
“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 their engagement and encouragement throughout her brief campaign as meaningful.
Looking ahead, she said she would continue her grassroots engagement across the FCT, promising visits to all six area councils to appreciate residents and sustain her advocacy for reforms in the capital.
“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.
She had only recently declared her intention to contest the FCT senatorial seat on May 6, shortly after joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a desire to participate more directly in political leadership.
Her withdrawal has since generated political discussion, especially amid speculation that the party may already be aligning its FCT Senate structure around another aspirant, although no official statement has confirmed this.
