Rights activist and senatorial aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has said her ambition to represent the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate is driven by the need to solve problems and amplify residents’ voices, not to engage in political confrontations.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday, the activist-turned-politician said her priority, if elected, would be to ensure that the concerns of FCT residents are properly addressed and translated into actionable solutions.
“I’m seeking for constitutional authority to then be able to not just make demands but be able to be part of the solution to the problems that we face in our own country,” she said.
She stressed that her focus would not be on political battles with the FCT Minister or other officials.
“I think the most important thing about governance or being in office for me, being a Senator of the FCT, is not picking a fight with anyone.
”At the end of the day, my business is not to go and be fighting the Minister of FCT,” she stated.
Reacting to figures announced after the APC presidential primary, Yesufu described the turnout as unrealistic, insisting the numbers did not reflect public sentiment.
“It’s just a joke, the numbers that were bandied out just don’t make sense,” she said.
She also accused the ruling party of attempting to project strength despite growing public dissatisfaction.
“I think that’s what I see the APC doing… trying to bolster maybe feel a confidence that’s not there,” she said.
According to her, “the APC has been rejected,” adding that the public is increasingly disconnected from the party.
Yesufu rejected claims that she follows Labour Party’s Peter Obi blindly, insisting he is not her godfather but a leader she supports based on shared values.
“I don’t have a godfather. He’s not my godfather. He’s a principal,” she said.
She explained that her support is rooted in trust in his character and approach to governance.
“I see him… as that person who has the empathy, who is patriotic enough and who cares enough about Nigeria,” she added.
The activist said her entry into politics does not mean abandoning advocacy, but rather transferring it into legislative work.
“I’m not leaving advocacy or activism into politics, I’m not. I’m taking advocacy and activism into politics,” she said.
She added that her role in the Senate, if elected, would centre on oversight of the executive arm.
“My number one business is holding the executive accountable,” she stated.
Reaffirming her political stance, she said her support for Peter Obi is conditional on performance and principles, not loyalty.
“If Mr. Peter Obi does something that is not right, I will stand holding him accountable,” she said.
She stressed that her focus remains good governance, accountability and transparency.
Yesufu also urged political parties to conduct transparent and violence-free primaries, describing recent exercises as a wake-up call.
“One of the biggest things I’m taking away is the kind of primaries that have happened,” she said.
She called for elections that are “free, fair, credible, and sane.”
She said her immediate political priority is to secure the NDC ticket ahead of its primaries.
“For me, it’s to focus on how do I emerge as the flag-bearer of my own party,” she said.
She expressed confidence in the party’s internal structure and reform agenda.
“I have confidence in the Nigeria Democratic Congress, I want to make that difference,” she added.
On insecurity, Yesufu said the government’s core responsibility remains the protection of lives and property.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of life and properties,” she said.
She also questioned the transparency of recent military rescue operations in Borno State, urging clearer verification of victims.
“Well done to the troops… Where is the accountability?” she asked.
Yesufu renewed calls for a national missing persons register, saying Nigeria needs accurate data on kidnappings and rescues.
“All we want in Nigeria is for people to be safe,” she said.
Opposition Fragmentation Not a Setback
She said fragmentation within opposition parties should not be seen as weakness, arguing that unity can still emerge later.
“When they do that, they can always come to the round table,” she said.
She added that coalition-building remains possible after internal contests are concluded.
