Political activist and former senatorial aspirant, Aisha Yesufu, has publicly criticised the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Seriake Dickson, over his comments regarding complaints arising from the party’s recently concluded primaries.
Dickson had defended the conduct of the primaries during an interview, acknowledging that there were irregularities but urging aggrieved aspirants to remain patient with the party.
He argued that the NDC, which is only four months old, had been operating under significant pressure to complete membership registration, congresses, conventions, primaries and appeals within a limited timeframe.
The party leader also maintained that challenges experienced during the exercise were not unique to the NDC, blaming some of the difficulties on the Electoral Act’s provision for direct primaries.
He assured members that a reconciliation process was underway and pledged that future primaries would be driven by technology to avoid similar issues.
However, Yesufu strongly disagreed with Dickson’s approach, accusing him of failing to focus on party unity and the bigger objective of winning the 2027 general elections.
In a lengthy reaction, the activist said she found parts of Dickson’s interview “painfully appalling” and argued that his appearance gave the impression that he was competing with the party’s presidential candidate rather than promoting the NDC’s electoral prospects.
She recalled that despite her concerns about the primary process, she had accepted the party’s decisions and encouraged her supporters to focus on broader political goals.
According to her, she personally engaged party members across the Federal Capital Territory to calm tensions after planned primaries allegedly failed to take place.
Calls for accountability
Yesufu said Dickson’s primary responsibility as party leader should have been to reassure dissatisfied aspirants and rally supporters behind the party.
Instead, she argued that his comments risked alienating people whose support would be crucial during the elections.
She further accused the NDC leader of shifting responsibility whenever shortcomings within the party were highlighted, urging him to accept full accountability for the challenges that emerged during the primaries.
“The party is young. It was overwhelmed. Mistakes will be made. Accepting the mistakes and being accountable is how the party will get better,” she stated.
Focus should be on 2027, says Yesufu
The activist stressed that the central objective of the NDC should be defeating the ruling establishment and securing victory in the 2027 elections rather than engaging in internal disputes.
According to her, no one was attempting to challenge Dickson’s position as party leader, insisting that the focus should remain on building a united platform capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.
She concluded her remarks with a quote from motivational speaker Jim Rohn, saying, “If what you did yesterday is still looking big to you today, then you are not doing enough.”
