Activist and ally of Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu, has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yesufu announced her decision on Friday, saying the party would not conduct primaries for the FCT senate seat, effectively ending her bid.
According to a statement cited by TheCable, the activist said the NDC plans to hold primaries only for House of Representatives positions 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 said.
Yesufu had only recently joined the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared her intention to contest the FCT senate seat on May 6. She said at the time that her experience in the ADC inspired her decision to seek elective office.
Her withdrawal follows speculation that the party had ceded the senatorial ticket to another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who had been with the party before Yesufu’s arrival.
Despite stepping down, Yesufu urged her supporters to remain focused on the wider political goal ahead of 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 added.
The activist also thanked supporters of the “AishaForSenate” campaign and said she would continue engaging residents across the six area councils in the FCT.
She noted that she would return to the councils in the coming week to appreciate residents for their support and continue advocating for what she described as a “Better FCT”.
