By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — Rights activist and Federal Capital Territory senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Aisha Yesufu, has intensified consultations across the six Area Councils of the FCT, telling residents her campaign is about more than winning votes.

As political activities ahead of the NDC primaries gather pace, Yesufu has taken her consultations to Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, anchoring her message on insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and growing frustration over failing public services in the nation’s capital.

During meetings with party leaders, stakeholders, youth groups, women organisations and residents across the councils, the activist said her door-to-door engagements were aimed at listening directly to the people and understanding the realities shaping their daily lives.

Yesufu said, “The future of the Federal Capital Territory depends on the collective strength, unity and voices of its people.

“My visit to your communities is not just to seek your votes, but to listen, understand your challenges and work together towards a better and more inclusive FCT.”

The FCT has 62 political wards spread across the six Area Councils; Abaji has 10 wards, AMAC 12, while Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali have 10 each.

Yesufu said residents across the councils continue to grapple with insecurity, poor roads, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, weak educational infrastructure and poor access to clean water.

“With your support in the forthcoming general elections, we can build a capital city where every resident has equal opportunities, security and access to quality infrastructure and development,” she said.

She urged residents and party members to embrace unity, transparency and accountability, insisting that the FCT needs leadership that prioritises infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and economic opportunities.

Stressing the need for inclusive governance, Yesufu said meaningful development would remain difficult if residents were shut out of decision-making.

“We cannot build a better FCT without carrying the people along. This journey is about service, inclusion and giving residents a stronger voice in governance,” she said.

She also pledged to sustain consultations with community leaders and stakeholders across the territory ahead of the party primaries.

Party leaders and stakeholders who received her during the visits described the activist as a courageous voice for ordinary Nigerians and praised her years of advocacy on justice, accountability and good governance.

In Kwali Area Council, community leaders said her record of activism, humanitarian interventions and social development initiatives distinguished her as a credible contender for the Senate seat.

The stakeholders pledged to mobilise delegates and party members in support of her aspiration during the primaries, while residents across the councils assured her of their backing ahead of the 2027 general election.

The consultations ended with renewed commitments by party members and supporters to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure and rally support ahead of both the primaries and the general election.