Aisha Yesufu Confronts NDC Over FCT Senate Ticket
Nigerian activist and politician Aisha Yesufu on Wednesday openly challenged officials of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the party’s handling of its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial ticket process. She insisted that transparency and fairness must guide the party’s internal affairs.
Speaking at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, Yesufu criticized the NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, accusing him of making commitments the party was unable to fulfill. A video of the confrontation, which has since gone viral on social media, showed the former FCT senatorial aspirant expressing frustration over what she described as a lack of accountability within the party.
“If the national secretary did not have what it took to go to every local government, then he shouldn’t have put out a statement to the world that he was going to do that,” Yesufu said. She stressed the importance of keeping promises made to party members and the public, adding that she was not demanding special treatment but merely a fair process. “If you do something, we must stand by our word. I’m not even asking for a level playing ground; I’m asking for a ground,” she stated.
Yesufu said the controversy surrounding the FCT senate ticket had subjected her to public criticism in recent days, but maintained that the credibility of the party should take precedence over individual ambitions. “This party is more than who wins. We need to follow a process that is transparent,” she said.
The activist also reiterated her commitment to the party’s presidential candidate, saying she would have accepted defeat if the process had been conducted fairly. “If I lost honourably and fairly, I’m ready to concede that I lost. I have a presidential candidate that I am here for,” she added.
Yesufu recently joined the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and had declared her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat in the 2027 general election. However, she later withdrew from the race after the party reportedly decided against conducting primaries for the position. Her remarks come amid growing speculation that the party had effectively allocated the FCT senatorial ticket to another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who had been a member of the NDC before Yesufu’s arrival.
The dispute follows allegations made by Yesufu on May 30, when she claimed that the party’s senate primary process in the FCT was marred by irregularities and lacked transparency. She alleged that the process had been compromised and failed to meet acceptable democratic standards. The NDC leadership has yet to issue an official response to the concerns raised by the activist.
Yesufu's outspoken stance highlights ongoing tensions within the NDC as it prepares for the 2027 elections. Her call for transparency resonates with many party members who seek a more inclusive and democratic process. The incident underscores the challenges faced by political parties in Nigeria in maintaining internal democracy and credibility.
