Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has lost the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) Federal Capital Territory Senate primary to veteran politician Amanda Pam after a closely watched contest that exposed growing tensions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The primary election, held in Abuja on Tuesday, attracted significant attention following Yesufu’s recent defection to the NDC and her vocal campaign for transparent and open primaries. Her defeat to Amanda Pam, a long-time political figure with deep roots in party structures, has sparked conversations about the balance between online popularity and traditional grassroots political influence in Nigeria.
Aisha Yesufu Campaigns for Open Primaries
Ahead of the primary election, Yesufu had strongly advocated for internal democracy within the NDC, urging party leaders to embrace open and transparent processes in selecting candidates for future elections.
The activist, known nationally for her role in the Bring Back Our Girls movement and civic advocacy campaigns, positioned herself as a reform-minded candidate focused on governance and accountability in the Federal Capital Territory.
During her campaign, Yesufu highlighted several proposed legislative initiatives she planned to champion if elected to the Senate. Among them were the Abuja Residents Security Bill, aimed at strengthening community safety and policing support within the FCT, and the Free Maternal Health Bill designed to improve access to healthcare services for women and children.
Supporters praised her campaign for focusing on policy-driven discussions and citizen participation, particularly among young voters and urban residents in Abuja.
Critics Raise Questions Over Past Political Positions
Despite gaining traction online, Yesufu’s Senate ambition also faced criticism from political opponents and some party members who questioned her recent calls for open primaries.
Critics pointed to her previous support for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, arguing that she had defended political arrangements that did not prioritize broad primary contests at the time.
Opponents accused the activist of inconsistency, claiming her current advocacy for transparent primaries contradicted some of her earlier political positions. However, her supporters dismissed the criticism as politically motivated attempts to weaken her reform message within the party.
Political observers say the controversy reflected broader debates within emerging political coalitions over candidate selection, internal democracy, and party structure ahead of the next general election cycle.
Amanda Pam Secures Victory
At the end of the delegate-based primary election, Amanda Pam emerged victorious, securing the NDC ticket for the FCT Senate race.
Pam’s victory was largely attributed to her long-standing political experience, strong grassroots connections, and established relationships within party networks. A lawyer and seasoned political figure, she previously maintained affiliations with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and also served in roles linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Party insiders noted that Pam’s familiarity with delegate politics and organizational structures gave her a significant advantage over Yesufu, whose influence has largely been driven by social media engagement and activism.
The outcome has intensified discussions about the role of online political mobilization in Nigeria and whether digital popularity can effectively translate into victories within established party systems.
Reactions Trail Primary Election
Following the announcement of the results, reactions poured in from political analysts, party supporters, and civil society groups.
Some observers argued that Yesufu’s participation alone represented a growing shift in Nigerian politics, where activists and non-traditional politicians are increasingly seeking elective offices rather than remaining outside the political system.
Others maintained that the result demonstrated the enduring strength of grassroots political organization and local party loyalty, especially in delegate-driven contests.
Supporters of Amanda Pam celebrated the victory as proof of her long-standing commitment to party development and political engagement within the FCT.
Meanwhile, Yesufu’s supporters praised her for raising conversations around accountability, open primaries, and citizen-focused governance despite the loss.
2027 Political Realignments Begin
The NDC Senate primary is widely seen as an early sign of political repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts believe more alliances, defections, and internal party battles are likely to emerge as politicians and activists continue preparing for future contests across Nigeria.
For Aisha Yesufu, the defeat may not necessarily signal the end of her political ambitions. Observers say her growing political profile and influence among younger Nigerians could still make her a significant voice in national politics moving forward.
As the race toward 2027 gradually intensifies, the clash between digital activism and traditional political structures is expected to remain a major theme in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
