Former presidential media aide and All Progressives Congress chieftain Bashir Ahmad has suggested that Nigerian Democratic Congress stalwart Aisha Yesufu may be stepping back from active campaigning due to her failure to secure the party’s Federal Capital Territory senatorial ticket for the 2027 general Elections.
Ahmad’s remarks followed a recent statement by Yesufu in which she indicated a reduced role in the NDC’s presidential campaign efforts. “Yes, I will still campaign with Peter Obi when necessary, but you might not see me travelling around with him as much as possible,” Yesufu said, referencing the party’s presidential candidate.
Reacting on his official X handle, Ahmad argued that Yesufu’s decision stemmed from disappointment over the party leadership’s failure to reciprocate her loyalty. “Aisha Yusuf has every reason to feel demoralised and she has announced that she will not be campaigning for Peter Obi state by state as she did in 2023,” Ahmad wrote. “It is a well known fact that Mr Peter, her principal, could not stand up for her to secure the senatorial ticket, despite the fact that she has consistently stood by him since joining his team.”
Ahmad contended that the situation reflected a breach of political reciprocity. “When it mattered most, he appears to have chosen to protect his own presidential ticket rather than stand up for someone who had stood up for him. In politics, loyalty should be reciprocal,” he stated.
Drawing a contrast, Ahmad referenced Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom he described as Obi’s deputy, praising the Kwankwasiyya leader for securing the Kano State deputy governorship ticket for his son. “That is what standing by your people looks like,” Ahmad added.
The exchange highlights shifting dynamics within the opposition camp as political actors position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle. Yesufu, a prominent activist and voice in the 2023 elections, has not issued a formal rebuttal to Ahmad’s specific allegations regarding the senatorial primary outcome. The NDC leadership has also not publicly addressed the claims surrounding the ticket allocation process.
