Aisha Yesufu address on FCT NDC Senatorial Primaries.

Aisha Yesufu alleges irregularities in NDC FCT Senatorial primaries, launches better abuja movement
Former Federal Capital Territory Senatorial aspirant, , has spoken publicly on the outcome of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) FCT Senatorial Primaries, alleging that the process failed to meet the standards of transparency, fairness, and internal democracy expected by party members and supporters.
In a detailed statement titled “On the Record: NDC Primaries… A Better Abuja Is Inevitable,” Yesufu dismissed reports suggesting that she withdrew from the race, insisting that she remained in the contest until its conclusion.
According to her, the decision to seek elective office was driven by a conviction that meaningful national transformation requires active participation in governance and decision-making processes. She maintained that her entry into politics was an extension of her long-standing advocacy work and that she refused to compromise her principles throughout the campaign.
The former aspirant expressed pride in what she described as a robust grassroots campaign powered by volunteers across the FCT. She credited supporters for building a people-driven movement that resonated with residents across wards and communities, describing the campaign as one rooted in credibility and citizen engagement.
However, Yesufu alleged that the primary election process was undermined by repeated postponements, venue changes, and deviations from established party guidelines. She claimed that a delegate-based system was introduced in place of the direct primaries earlier communicated to members and further alleged that the eventual outcome was determined through an affirmation process conducted behind closed doors.
While acknowledging that party officials may continue to defend the process as free and fair, she argued that the events surrounding the primaries did not reflect the principles of justice, openness, and democratic participation.
Despite her reservations, Yesufu stated that she would not pursue legal action or prolonged internal disputes over the exercise. Instead, she said she had chosen to draw lessons from the experience and deepen her understanding of Nigeria’s political system.
She clarified that her observations were limited to the FCT Senatorial contest and should not be interpreted as a judgment on primary elections conducted in other states, noting that each state had its own peculiar circumstances.
On the future of the NDC, Yesufu maintained that the party remains an important platform for political change and acknowledged those working within its structures to advance reform-oriented leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Looking beyond the primaries, she unveiled a new political vision tagged #ABetterAbuja2031, declaring that the movement built during her campaign would continue despite the outcome of the nomination process.
“This is not the end,” she stated, insisting that the grassroots networks, public trust, and citizen engagement cultivated during the campaign could not be erased by internal political decisions.
Her remarks are expected to generate further debate within the NDC and among supporters of the broader reform movement as discussions continue over internal party democracy and preparations for future electoral contests in the Federal Capital Territory.