Aisha Yesufu has accused the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to uphold transparency in its FCT senatorial primary, insisting that aspirants were denied a fair process.
In a viral video circulating on social media, the activist expressed frustration over the conduct of the exercise, accusing party officials of failing to fulfil commitments made to aspirants.
Earlier, Yesufu announced her withdrawal from the race for the FCT senate seat amid controversy over the party’s preferred candidate.
The NDC allegedly ceded the party’s ticket to Amanda Pam, who was said to have been in the party before Yesufu joined.
However, she later issued a statement clarifying that she never voluntarily withdrew from the contest, arguing that what took place was “a predetermined outcome dressed in procedural formalities”.
Yesufu, who joined the NDC alongside Peter Obi after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said her objection was not about winning or losing but about the integrity of the process.
“If the national secretary did not have what it took to vote in every local government, then he shouldn’t have put out a statement to the world that he was going to do that,” she said.
“If we do something, we must stand by our word. It is official, it is outside, it is on our official channels.”
NO LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
The activist, who appeared to be directing her criticism at the party’s national secretary, accused the leadership of failing to create a fair environment for all aspirants.
“I’m not even asking for a level playing ground. I’m asking for the ground,” she said.
According to Yesufu, she faced repeated criticism from party members who claimed she joined the party too late to enjoy equal consideration.
“I was told repeatedly that I came in late into this party. Who does that?” she asked.
“I have endured a lot in the last how many days. My name has been dragged all over.”
She maintained that she would have accepted defeat if the contest had been conducted transparently.
“We are going for war and this party is not about who wins,” she said.
“Follow a process that is transparent so that when you see someone who wins, you’ll salute the person.”
“If I lost and I lost honourably and fairly, I will take it that I lost.”
Despite her grievances, Yesufu reiterated her commitment to the party’s broader political objective ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I have a presidential candidate that I am here for,” she said.
