Sowore Supports Yesufu’s Senate Bid, Questions Her Political Platform

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has thrown his weight behind the decision of activist, Aisha Yesufu, to contest the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, while criticising her choice of political platform.

Sowore, who spoke during an appearance on Morning Brief on Monday, said Yesufu’s entry into partisan politics was a welcome development, noting that activism and politics are deeply connected in the struggle to transform society.

“She’s in the wrong party; she should have joined our party,” Sowore said while reacting to Yesufu’s recent defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Despite his criticism of her political affiliation, Sowore expressed strong support for her senatorial ambition, revealing that he had long encouraged her to participate directly in electoral politics.

“I totally support her. I’ve always told her that good people, people who believe they can do things, should get into politics,” he said.
According to him, Yesufu had previously distanced herself from the idea of contesting for office and was often critical of activists who ventured into politics.

“She used to say that she has no business running for office. She used to condemn those of us who are activists who run for office,” Sowore stated.

The activist-turned-politician added that he once shared similar reservations about political participation before changing his perspective around 2016.

“But the business of politics is actually the biggest activism that has to be done to save society,” he added.

LEADERSHIP had reported last week that Yesufu announced her resignation from the African Democratic Congress and formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

In a statement posted on her X handle on Wednesday, Yesufu said her decision followed what she described as a deeper understanding of the future direction of the country and her alignment with the political ideology of Peter Obi.

She also declared her intention to contest the FCT senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, signalling her first direct participation in elective politics after years of activism and civic engagement.