Rights activist Omoyele Sowore voiced his backing of fellow advocate Aisha Yesufu’s intention to run for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, while also questioning her decision to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Sowore, a former presidential candidate, made the remarks on Monday during an interview with Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief.” He said he “truly supports” Yesufu and praised her “good people” spirit, noting that activists who believe they can effect change should consider politics as a form of activism.
“Yesafa used to say she has no business running for office and would condemn activists who do,” Sowore recounted. “She didn’t want to support anybody, but now she’s realized that politics is the biggest activism we can do to save society.” He added that his own view had changed around 2016, when he shifted from dismissing politics as “not my business” to seeing it as essential for societal reform.
The former presidential hopeful also expressed disappointment with Yesufu’s party choice. After leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yesufu followed former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the NDC and announced her senatorial bid. “I support her and hope she wins, even though I think she’s in the wrong party. She should have joined our party,” Sowore said, referring to his own political platform.
Yesufu’s move to the NDC marks a significant realignment in the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. Her switch from the ADC—where she previously held a high profile as one of the “Occupy Nigeria” movement’s leading voices—to the NDC aligns her with a party that positions itself as a progressive alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political analysts note that the FCT, traditionally a competitive arena, could see heightened contestation as more activists contemplate formal political participation. Sowore’s endorsement underscores a broader trend among civil‑society leaders to transition from street activism to electoral politics, a shift he described as “the biggest activism that has to be done to save society.”
The endorsement comes as parties across the country finalize candidate selections for the 2027 elections. Whether Yesufu’s campaign can overcome the challenges of party infrastructure and voter mobilization within the NDC remains to be seen. However, Sowore’s public support may lend her campaign additional credibility among the activist community and could influence voter perception in the capital territory.
As the 2027 election calendar unfolds, the evolving alliances and endorsements among Nigeria’s opposition figures will likely shape the contest for key legislative seats, with the FCT Senate race emerging as a focal point for both party strategists and civil‑society observers.
