Prominent activist and politician Aisha Yesufu has announced her withdrawal from the race for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, bringing an unexpected end to a campaign that had attracted significant attention from supporters across the country.
The outspoken activist disclosed her decision in a statement released on Friday, explaining that her party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had resolved not to conduct primaries for the FCT Senate position.
According to Yesufu, the party has instead chosen to focus its primary elections on House of Representatives seats within the Federal Capital 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,” she stated.
The development comes just months after Yesufu formally declared her interest in representing the FCT in the Senate. This move generated excitement among many supporters who viewed her candidacy as a continuation of her long-standing activism and advocacy for good governance.
She had announced her senatorial ambition on May 6 after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joining the NDC.
Despite stepping away from the race, Yesufu urged her supporters not to lose sight of what she described as the larger political objective ahead of the next election cycle.
“I urge each and every one of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she said.
The activist also expressed gratitude to members of the #AishaForSenate movement, thanking them for their commitment, enthusiasm, and belief in her vision for the Federal Capital Territory.
Rather than retreating from political engagement, Yesufu indicated that she intends to continue interacting with residents across Abuja’s six area councils and remain actively involved in conversations about governance and development.
“In the coming week I will be returning back to all the six Area Councils, God willing, to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she said.
Her withdrawal has fueled speculation within political circles about the circumstances behind the party’s decision.
Reports suggest the NDC may already have aligned with another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who was reportedly a party member before Yesufu’s arrival.
Some observers believe that internal considerations surrounding party structure and longstanding membership may have influenced the decision not to hold a senatorial primary.
However, the NDC has not publicly confirmed claims that the FCT Senate ticket has been allocated to another candidate.
For many supporters, Yesufu’s withdrawal marks a surprising twist in what had seemed a promising political journey.
Known for her outspoken activism, particularly during the #BringBackOurGirls campaign and various pro-democracy movements, Yesufu has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most recognizable civic voices.
Her entry into electoral politics was seen by many as an opportunity to translate years of advocacy into legislative action.
While her Senate ambition may be on hold for now, her latest statement suggests she remains committed to political participation and broader national issues, particularly the 2027 presidential election.
As preparations for the next electoral cycle continue gathering momentum, many of her supporters will be watching closely to see what role she ultimately chooses to play in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
For now, however, Yesufu appears determined to redirect attention away from her personal ambitions and toward what she believes is the larger battle ahead.
