Human rights activist and Federal Capital Territory senatorial aspirant, Aisha Yesufu, has dismissed concerns over the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that her political ambition is centred on winning the support and mandate of the people rather than competing with political appointees.
Yesufu made the remarks during an appearance on Sunday Politics, where she addressed her plans for the 2027 general elections and the ongoing political developments surrounding the Federal Capital Territory senatorial race.
The activist, who was formerly associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said her current priority is securing the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the next election cycle.
According to her, the political movement she belongs to is determined to offer residents of Abuja a credible alternative capable of transforming governance and restoring public confidence in leadership.
“There are some people who have said they are going to take over Abuja and all of that,” Yesufu said during the interview.
“We want to give people a viable option that they can be proud of and passionate about.”
She maintained that her political focus is not directed toward appointees or power brokers but toward ordinary voters whose support will ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
“I don’t have a Wike to contend with because that’s an appointee,” she stated.
“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.”
The activist’s remarks come amid growing discussions about Wike’s increasing influence in Abuja politics following his appointment as FCT Minister and his active role in local political structures within the territory.
Political observers have repeatedly pointed to Wike’s involvement in recent area council elections and grassroots political mobilisation as evidence of his expanding influence within the FCT.
However, Yesufu insisted that democratic power ultimately belongs to the people and not political office holders.
She called on members of the NDC and residents of Abuja to actively participate in the party’s primaries rather than assuming that public popularity alone would automatically guarantee her emergence as candidate.
According to her, political support must be demonstrated through actual participation during the party’s internal electoral process.
“Yes, people may assume I already have it, but that is not enough,” she said.
“I need people to come out and vote during the primaries.”
Yesufu stressed that grassroots mobilisation and voter participation remain critical factors in determining the outcome of party primaries and general elections.
She noted that while many Nigerians may admire or support certain political figures online or in public conversations, such support must translate into action at the ballot.
The activist further explained that her immediate concentration is on clinching her party’s ticket before engaging fully with opponents from other political parties.
According to her, discussions about rival candidates would only become relevant after the completion of the primary process.
She specifically mentioned incumbent FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe and former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda as politicians she would confront politically after emerging as her party’s flagbearer.
“Yesufu noted that she would only begin engaging other candidates in the race after emerging as the party’s candidate,” the interview highlighted.
The activist also disclosed that she had completed the required consultations and screening processes ahead of the elections.
She expressed confidence that her entry into partisan politics would bring a different style of leadership focused on accountability, transparency and service to the people.
According to her, Nigerians are increasingly demanding leaders who remain accessible and accountable to constituents after elections rather than disappearing once they assume office.
Yesufu argued that citizens are tired of politics driven by personal interests, elite arrangements and political godfatherism.
She maintained that if elected into the Senate, she would represent the interests of ordinary residents of the FCT and provide what she described as a “breath of fresh air” in governance.
The activist also commented on the internal crisis currently affecting the African Democratic Congress, describing the situation as unfortunate and damaging to democratic development in Nigeria.
According to her, strong and stable political parties are essential for sustaining democracy and ensuring effective governance.
She said internal instability within opposition parties weakens democratic competition and reduces the options available to Nigerians seeking alternative leadership.
“Yesufu described the situation as heartbreaking and harmful to Nigeria’s democracy,” the report noted.
She urged political parties across the country to strengthen their internal democratic structures and avoid unnecessary conflicts capable of weakening public trust.
The race for the FCT senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections is already attracting significant attention, with major political figures positioning themselves for the contest.
Incumbent Senator Kingibe reportedly secured the ADC ticket after a decisive primary election victory, while Aduda emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yesufu’s expected participation under the NDC platform is likely to intensify political competition within the Federal Capital Territory.
Analysts believe the election could become one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in the country due to the influence of major political actors and the strategic importance of the FCT.
Despite concerns over the political weight of Wike within Abuja politics, Yesufu maintained that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.
She expressed confidence that residents of the FCT are prepared to embrace a new style of leadership focused on accountability, inclusion and people-centred governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
