Wike and Yesufu Clash Over Failed Senate Candidacy

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and activist Aisha Yesufu engaged in a war of words over Yesufu's unsuccessful attempt to emerge as the Senate candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Yesufu had declared her intention to contest for the Senate seat on May 6, joining the NDC after the African Democratic Congress announced it would not conduct primaries for the FCT Senate seat.

In response to her failed candidacy, Wike criticized Yesufu during a luncheon in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, stating that she was not qualified to speak on the matter and that her attempts to win the NDC primary were futile. Yesufu retorted by highlighting Wike's past failures in the 2022 primaries and accused him of undermining the party's integrity.

The exchange reflects ongoing tensions within Nigerian political circles, particularly regarding women's representation and leadership roles.