Activist and Federal Capital Territory senatorial aspirant, Aisha Yesufu, has declared that she has no political battle with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that her focus is on securing the mandate of Abuja residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yesufu made the remarks during an interview on Sunday Politics, where she spoke about her ambition to represent the FCT in the Senate and the growing political contest expected ahead of the next election cycle.
The outspoken activist, who was previously associated with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said she was currently working towards securing the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for the 2027 elections.
According to her, discussions about the influence of Wike in Abuja politics do not concern her because the minister is an appointee rather than an elected official.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Her comments come amid increasing political activities and early alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, especially in the FCT where political parties are already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive senatorial race.
The FCT Senate seat has continued to attract strong political interest because of Abuja’s strategic importance as the nation’s capital and the growing political influence of residents in recent years.
Yesufu said her immediate focus remains winning the ticket of the NDC during the party primaries.
She warned supporters against assuming that public popularity alone would automatically secure victory for her during the internal party process.
According to her, supporters must actively participate in the primaries and vote if they truly want her to emerge as the party’s candidate.
“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 begin engaging other contenders for the Senate seat only after successfully securing her party’s nomination.
She specifically mentioned the current senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, and former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda, as politicians she would address after emerging as her party’s flagbearer.
The FCT senatorial contest ahead of the 2027 election is already shaping up to be one of the major political battles in Abuja.
Senator Kingibe is currently representing the FCT in the Senate after winning the seat during the 2023 general election.
Her victory in 2023 was widely seen as a major political upset as she defeated Philip Aduda, who had represented the FCT in the Senate for several years under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Aduda has now reportedly secured the senatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 elections, setting the stage for another intense political contest.
Yesufu rose to national prominence during the Bring Back Our Girls campaign following the abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.
She later became one of the leading voices during the EndSARS protests against police brutality in 2020 and has remained active in civic advocacy and governance issues.
Over the years, she has built a reputation as a strong critic of poor governance, corruption and political impunity.
Her supporters believe her activism and public engagement could attract voters seeking alternatives to established political figures.
However, critics argue that activism alone may not be enough to win elections in Nigeria’s complex political environment where party structures, grassroots networks and alliances often play decisive roles.
During the interview, Yesufu also spoke about the crisis within the African Democratic Congress, describing the situation as painful and harmful to the country’s democratic development.
She said strong and stable political parties are necessary for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
According to her, internal crises within opposition parties weaken public confidence and reduce the chances of building credible alternatives capable of challenging dominant political parties.
Political parties across Nigeria have continued to witness internal leadership struggles, defections and legal battles as politicians prepare for the next election cycle.
In Abuja, political activities have gradually intensified despite the elections still being more than a year away.
The FCT has become increasingly politically active in recent years, especially following the outcome of the 2023 elections where opposition parties recorded strong performances.
Many residents have also continued to demand better infrastructure, improved transportation, housing reforms and greater attention to the welfare of communities across the territory.
The administration of Nyesom Wike as FCT minister has remained a major talking point in Abuja politics due to his aggressive infrastructure drive and controversial political style.
Since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, Wike has overseen several road projects, urban renewal programmes and demolition exercises across the capital city.
While supporters praise him for accelerating development in Abuja, critics have accused the administration of high-handedness and politicising governance in the territory.
Yesufu’s comments are therefore expected to further stir political conversations within the FCT as politicians begin early campaigns and consultations ahead of 2027.
The activist, however, insisted that her ambition is rooted in public service and accountability.
She disclosed that consultations and screening processes regarding her aspiration had already been concluded and expressed confidence in her chances of emerging victorious.
According to her, if elected into the Senate, she would bring “a breath of fresh air” into politics and remain accountable to the people she represents.