Aisha Yesufu alleges manipulation in NDC senate primary

Nigerian activist Aisha Yesufu has accused the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of manipulating its primary election for the Federal Capital Territory District senatorial seat. Yesufu, who recently joined the NDC, contested the primaries held on Friday but alleged that the process was rigged against her.

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What was billed as a primary was, in truth, a predetermined outcome dressed in procedural formalities.

She pointed to several irregularities, including repeated postponements and last-minute venue changes, as early signs of manipulation. Yesufu further criticized the party's decision to switch from direct primaries to a delegate-based system, which she claimed was ultimately decided in a closed room rather than openly reflecting the will of the people.

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The facts that transpired when litigated by conscience and the guidelines of the electoral act do not reflect justice and fairness.

"What was billed as a primary was, in truth, a predetermined outcome dressed in procedural formalities," Yesufu stated. She argued that while NDC leadership might claim the process was fair, the facts and party guidelines suggest otherwise.

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I chose instead to extract every lesson this experience had to offer. I now understand the architecture of the system in ways no textbook, no punditry, no amount of outside observation could ever teach.

Despite her grievances, Yesufu announced she would not file a petition. Instead, she views the experience as a learning opportunity, gaining a deeper understanding of the political system. "I chose instead to extract every lesson this experience had to offer," she said, vowing to continue her political career without compromising her values and suggesting she might contest the senatorial seat again in 2031.

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This is not the end. A Better Abuja is inevitable. What we built, the network, the credibility, the grassroots trust, cannot be taken away in a backroom.