Activist and aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat, Aisha Yesufu, has downplayed the political influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on her ambition, saying her focus is on winning the support and mandate of Abuja residents rather than confronting government appointees.
Yesufu, a former member of the African Democratic Congress, spoke during an appearance on Sunday Politics, where she discussed her plans ahead of the 2027 elections.
The activist explained that her immediate goal was to secure the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress before turning attention to the general election.
“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,” she said.
Yesufu appealed to residents of the FCT and members of the NDC to support her during the party primaries, stressing that public goodwill alone would not secure 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.
The activist stated that she would only begin addressing other contenders after emerging as the party’s candidate for the election.
She identified current FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe and former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda as politicians she would face after securing the NDC ticket.
Yesufu also disclosed that she had completed consultations and screening processes ahead of the contest and expressed confidence that she would bring “a breath of fresh air” into politics while remaining accountable to constituents if elected.
Speaking on the internal challenges facing the African Democratic Congress, she described the crisis as “heartbreaking” and warned that weak political parties could negatively affect democratic development in Nigeria.
The battle for the FCT senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections is expected to feature three prominent figures — incumbent Senator Kingibe, former senator Aduda, and Yesufu, if she secures her party’s nomination.
While Kingibe reportedly emerged victorious in the ADC primary, Aduda secured the ticket of the All Progressives Congress.
Political observers, however, continue to point to the influence of Nyesom Wike in Abuja politics, especially following his involvement in recent FCT council elections and local political activities.