FCT senatorial hopeful Aisha Yesufu says she has no ties to Wike, calling him an appointee.

Activist and senatorial aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Aisha Yesufu, has dismissed claims that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike will play a major role in her campaign. She said her focus is on winning the people’s mandate rather than dealing with political appointees.

Yesufu, who was formerly with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the comments during an interview on Sunday Politics.

She explained that her first goal is to secure the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There are some people who have said they are going to take over Abuja and all of that. We want to give people a viable option that they can be proud of and passionate about,” she said.

“I don’t have a Wike to contend with because that’s an appointee. 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,” she added.

The activist called on Abuja residents and NDC members to support her during the party primaries, stressing that popularity alone will not secure victory without active voter participation.

“Yes, people may assume I already have it, but that is not enough. I need people to come out and vote during the primaries,” she said.

Yesufu said she would begin engaging with other candidates only after she has emerged as the party’s flag‑bearer. She identified current FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe and former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda as the individuals she would address once she secures the ticket.

The activist also revealed that she has completed consultations and screening processes in preparation for the election, expressing confidence that she would bring “a breath of fresh air” to politics and remain accountable to her constituents if elected.

Regarding the internal crisis within the ADC, Yesufu described the situation as “heartbreaking” and harmful to Nigeria’s democracy, underscoring the importance of strong political parties for national progress.

The race for the FCT senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections currently centers on three main contenders: incumbent Senator Kingibe, former Senator Philip Aduda, and Yesufu, should she win her party’s nomination.

Kingibe secured the ADC ticket after a decisive primary victory, while Aduda has been nominated as the APC candidate.

Nonetheless, concerns persist about the significant influence of Wike in the senatorial district, especially given his involvement in local politics and the recent FCT council elections.