By Akinwale Kasali
Activist, Aisha Yesufu has lost out in her bid to hoist the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Flag as the Party’s Candidate for the Federal Capital Territory, Senatorial the 2027 Election.
She was defeated by Amanda Pam, a veteran grassroots mobiliser. Yesufu’s bid to unseat the incumbent Senator, Ireti Kingibe, was, therefore, dashed.
Party delegates reportedly favoured grassroots structure and long-term loyalty, leading to the loss by Yesufu who recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress, ADC, with the favoured NDC Presidential Aspirant, Peter Obi.
Her defeat has generated social media reactions, and greeted bh mixed feelings.
According to analysts, local political structures proved decisive in the contest.
The primary election, conducted amid growing political activities ahead of 2027, underscored the influence of established party networks and grassroots mobilisation within the FCT political landscape.
Yesufu entered the race with strong public recognition due to her activism in the #BringBackOurGirls movement and support for former Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Obi during the 2023 elections. Pam, however, relied heavily on years of political engagement and deep connections across Abuja’s Area Councils.
Popular among her teeming supporters as “Mama Amanda”, Pam is regarded within party circles as a longtime grassroots mobiliser with extensive political experience in the FCT.
It was gathered from Party sources that she is a respected political figure who has built strong relationships with women groups, youths, and community leaders across Gwagwalada, Abaji, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali, and Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Pam is seen by many delegates as a loyal party figure with longstanding commitment to grassroots politics.
Her emergence is already being interpreted by political observers as proof that delegate-based primaries still favour candidates with strong local political structures over social media popularity or national visibility.
Ahead of the exercise, Yesufu had campaigned on governance reforms, improved representation for FCT residents, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.
She had also urged party members not to rely on popularity alone, encouraging supporters to actively participate in the delegate process.
However, party sources said many delegates preferred a candidate viewed as deeply rooted within the party system.
The outcome has since generated mixed reactions online, with supporters of Pam celebrating what they described as a victory for grassroots politics, while some supporters of Yesufu expressed disappointment over the result.
Pam is expected to become the NDC’s candidate for the FCT Senate race in 2027, as the contest is expected to be highly competitive, with incumbent Senator Kingibe already emerging in discussions as a major contender, alongside former Senator Philip Aduda.
Yesufu is yet to issue a statement on her loss, as Pam’s victory now places her at the centre of the FCT political conversation as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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