‘You Have Made Party About Yourself, Not Winning 2027’ — Aisha Yesufu Blasts Dickson

Politician and activist, Aisha Yesufu has blasted Senator Seriake Dickson, accusing the leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) of focusing on personal relevance rather than building momentum for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yesufu’s criticism came in response to Dickson’s interview on Arise News TV on Wednesday night, during which he addressed concerns surrounding the party’s recently concluded primaries and acknowledged reports of irregularities in the exercise.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Yesufu said she was disappointed by Dickson’s remarks and leadership approach, arguing that he failed to reassure aggrieved party members and instead projected an image of insecurity.

She said, “Dear Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, while I take my time to properly address your allusion of me not playing by the rules which I consider very disingenuous seeing how I followed the process and even when you had insisted there would be no primaries for senate, I let things go and asked my teeming supporters to focus on the bigger picture. I toured the FCT pacifying my supporters and party people who rightfully felt disrespected as they were all waiting at their respective headquarters for primaries that never happened.

“(I played field politics, I never waited for anyone to give me a ticket), I would like you, as the National leader, to watch this video again!”

Yesufu described a section of Dickson’s television appearance as troubling, alleging that the former governor appeared to be competing with his own party’s presidential candidate rather than promoting the NDC’s electoral prospects.

“This part of the interview was so painfully appalling to watch. It looked as if you were insecure and in competition with your Presidential Candidate,” Yesufu said.

“Your first one-on-one interview after primaries, and instead of selling your candidates and giving confidence to people on how to set the road to winning the 2027 election, you made it about yourself.”

The activist further argued that Dickson appeared to view the party’s registration as an achievement in itself rather than a vehicle for securing electoral victory.

“With all due respect, sir, it looks as if you consider the NDC a Special Purpose Vehicle whose aim has been achieved just by being registered instead of a Political Party whose aim is to win the 2027 General election decisively!!!!

“The registration of NDC should be a means to an end and not an end in itself.”

She also faulted Dickson for allegedly failing to unite party members after the primaries and for alienating supporters whose backing would be crucial in future elections.

“As a leader of a political party, your number one job in that interview was to pacify aspirants, many of whom are rightfully aggrieved, and secondly to call on supporters to bear with the party and support it, but you ended up antagonising the very people you would need to win the election. Every vote counts! A leader must stoop to conquer!”

According to Yesufu, no one within the party was attempting to challenge Dickson’s authority.

“No one can take away your leadership of NDC, no one is interested in that! The focus is on Nigeria winning the 2027 election!

“It looked as if you were fighting a war no one was waging with you. You don’t have anything to prove to anyone, just lead!”

She further accused the NDC leader of avoiding accountability whenever party processes come under scrutiny.

“It is also interesting how, as a leader, I see you shifting the blame to any process that doesn’t go well or is called out,” Yesufu said.

“Even in this statement below, you did! Take all responsibility! The party is young. It was overwhelmed. Mistakes will be made. Accepting the mistakes and being accountable is how the party will get better.”

Calling for a renewed focus on national issues and the opposition’s electoral ambitions, Yesufu warned against allowing personal egos to overshadow the party’s mission.

“There is a whole battle ahead of us. Rescuing Nigeria from the current state it is in, should be the main focus, not people’s fragile ego!”

She referenced a quote from motivational speaker Jim Rohn, saying, “Let me round up with some words from Jim Rohn: ‘If what you did yesterday is still looking big to you today, then you are not doing enough!!!’”