Aisha Yesufu reveals how NDC senatorial primary was allegedly conducted in a closed room

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial aspirant under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Aisha Yesufu has alleged that the party’s primary election was manipulated by some of its leaders.

Reports indicate that the activist-turned-politician, who contested for the FCT Senate seat, withdrew from the race over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.

In a detailed statement explaining her decision, Aisha claimed the primary was held in a closed setting with a “predetermined outcome dressed in procedural formalities.”

Yesufu further alleged that the exercise was repeatedly postponed and that the venue was changed at the last minute.

According to her, the party’s guidelines were not followed, adding that a delegate-based system was introduced and conducted at a central location instead of the direct primaries being held at local government headquarters.

She stated that when the process eventually took place, the decision was not made openly by delegates but was instead concluded behind closed doors, away from the people it was meant to represent.

Aisha also criticized the party’s expected public position, saying it would likely issue statements describing the FCT primaries as free and fair.

While acknowledging their right to their narrative, she insisted that what transpired did not reflect fairness or justice when assessed against the party’s guidelines and the principles of the Electoral Act.