ABUJA — A fresh political confrontation has erupted between Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and activist Aisha Yesufu, following the collapse of Yesufu’s bid to secure a senatorial ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the FCT.
The dispute has quickly escalated into a public war of words, highlighting rising tensions between political figures and civic activists over internal party processes and political credibility.
Yesufu’s Senate Ambition Ends Before Primaries
Yesufu had formally announced her intention to contest the FCT senatorial seat on May 6, shortly after joining the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Her move was initially seen as part of a broader political realignment ahead of future elections.
However, her ambition was cut short on Friday when she confirmed that the party would not proceed with primaries for the FCT Senate seat, effectively ending her campaign before it began.
The announcement closed off what had been a brief but closely watched political entry.
Wike Takes Aim at Failed Candidacy
Reacting during a luncheon for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike dismissed Yesufu’s political effort in sharply worded remarks that quickly gained attention.
He criticised her public commentary style and mocked her inability to secure even a party nomination, claiming that her political influence did not translate into internal party success.
His comments framed the episode as evidence of a disconnect between public activism and electoral viability.
Wike’s remarks added to his long history of combative political exchanges with critics and opposition figures.
Yesufu Responds With Strong Counterattack
In a swift response posted on her official X account on Sunday, Yesufu rejected Wike’s comments and directly challenged the minister’s political record.
She accused him of hypocrisy, referencing past internal party contests and alleging that he had also failed to secure key political ambitions despite his current position.
Her statement was laced with sharp criticism of his political conduct and past alliances.
Yesufu also suggested that Wike’s influence had not always translated into success within party structures, intensifying the personal tone of the exchange.
Escalating Verbal Tensions Between Political Voices
The confrontation reflects a broader pattern of increasingly public and personal exchanges between Nigerian politicians and activists, particularly on social media platforms where political disputes often escalate quickly.
Both figures used strongly worded language to challenge each other’s credibility, turning what began as a failed candidacy into a wider debate about political legitimacy and influence.
No Official Resolution as Political Exchange Continues
As of now, neither Wike nor Yesufu has indicated any intention to de-escalate the dispute.
The NDC has also not issued further clarification regarding its decision not to hold primaries for the FCT Senate seat.
The exchange continues to generate reactions online, underscoring how internal party developments and individual ambitions can quickly evolve into high-profile national political controversies.
