Nigerian activist Aisha Yesufu has announced her transition from advocacy work into partisan politics after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). She has declared her intention to contest the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
A New Political Chapter
Ms Yesufu, a prominent campaigner and co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, shared the decision in a statement on social media and later discussed it on Channels Television. 'I am not leaving activism and advocacy; I am taking advocacy into politics,' she said.
The activist stated that she joined the NDC 'not just as a member' but as an aspirant for the FCT Senate seat. She added that her political decisions were tied to her support for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. 'The next couple of days will define the future of this nation,' Ms Yesufu wrote on X. 'This deeper understanding is why I resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as I follow the leadership of HE Peter Obi, who today embodies the hope and aspiration of a Nigeria that works.'
Clean Transition from ADC
She said she had concluded her obligations within the ADC before leaving the party, describing her exit as a 'clean transition'. Ms Yesufu added that she had served in several capacities within the ADC, including as a sub-committee chair, deputy committee chair and secretary at different levels.
Several politicians and supporters linked to Mr Obi have recently moved from the ADC to the NDC following disputes and court cases affecting opposition parties. Reports in recent days indicated that former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and other political figures were also aligning with the NDC platform.
Activism Background
Ms Yesufu has remained one of Nigeria's most outspoken activists over the past decade, campaigning on governance, accountability, electoral reform and human rights issues. Her move into partisan politics marks a significant shift in her approach to effecting change in the country.
