Aisha Yesufu Denies Withdrawal, Criticizes NDC FCT Primary

Human rights activist and former senatorial aspirant Aisha Yesufu has publicly rejected claims that she withdrew from the Federal Capital Territory primary race for the National Democratic Congress, alleging the selection process was predetermined and unjust. In a statement issued Friday, Yesufu asserted she remained a candidate until the party's decision not to hold a primary election for the FCT senatorial seat, effectively concluding her bid for the nomination.

Yesufu dismissed suggestions she had quit the race, stating she stayed to the end but would not challenge the outcome through litigation. She described the process as deeply flawed, alleging it was subverted to exclude her. According to her, what was presented as a primary was a predetermined outcome dressed in procedural formalities. She claimed the exercise was repeatedly postponed, venues were changed at the last minute, and party guidelines were not followed.

The activist alleged that a delegate-based system was introduced to be conducted at a central location instead of the direct primaries originally anticipated at local government headquarters. She stated that when the moment came, the contest was not decided by...