Aisha Yesufu, a social activist, says she will resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the FCT senatorial election if she emerges as a candidate.
Yesufu had on Wednesday announced her defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring her intention to run for the FCT senatorial position in 2027.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Yesufu said residents of the federal capital territory have a history of independently choosing their leaders.
Her comments followed questions about the political influence of Nyesom Wike and the endorsement of Philip Aduda.
“I don’t think I look like someone who is a walkover to anybody,” she said.
Yesufu said there is “no coronation” in Abuja politics, insisting that voters in the FCT are firm in their electoral decisions.
“When it comes to the general election, Abuja residents are very, very firm in their decision,” she said.
“And they choose who they want. Nobody has a right to come and impose anybody on us in Abuja.”
The activist added that while she would not engage in electoral malpractice, she would strongly resist any attempt to rig her out of the race.
“I will not do any illegality. I’m not going to steal anybody’s vote or rig somebody’s vote,” she said.
“But if anybody says they are coming to rig the votes they are giving me, when they go low, I will go underground.
“There’s no monopoly on madness or hardness.”
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR YESUFU
Yesufu also outlined some of the legislative priorities she hopes to pursue if elected to the Senate.
According to her, she is already considering several bills focused specifically on residents of the FCT.
The proposed bills include an Abuja Resident Security Bill, Abuja Resident Empowerment Bill, Abuja Infrastructure Bill, Abuja Education Bill, FCTA Accountability Bill, and an Indigenous Rights and Land Protection Bill.
On education, Yesufu said she wants a system where children from poor and wealthy backgrounds have equal access to quality learning opportunities.
“There’s a way we can legislate and ensure that every child, whether they live in Kubwa or Maitama, is able to get that education,” she said.
She also criticised what she described as a lack of accountability in the administration of the FCT, particularly regarding spending, land revocations and demolitions.
“We see contracts. We see revocation of lands. We see a lot of things being done without accountability,” she said.
