Aisha Yesufu reacts as NDC national leader Seriake Dickson defends the party’s primaries
Political activist and former senatorial candidate, Aisha Yesufu, publicly criticized the national leader Democratic Congress of Nigeria NDC, Seriake Dickson, for his comments regarding grievances arising from the recently concluded party primaries.
During the interview, Dickson defended the conduct of the primaries, admitting that there were irregularities but urging the aggrieved aspirants to remain patient with the party.
He claimed that the NDC, which is only four months old, was operating under great pressure to complete membership registration, congresses, conventions, primaries and appeals within a limited time frame.
The party leader also asserted that the challenges encountered during the exercise were not unique to the NDC, blaming some of the difficulties on the direct primaries provision of the Electoral Act.
He assured members that the reconciliation process was underway and promised that future primaries would be run by technology to avoid similar problems.
However, Yesufu strongly disagrees with Dickson’s approach, accusing him of not focusing on party unity and the larger goal 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 concerns about the primary process, she 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 defuse tensions after the planned primaries were allegedly not held.
It calls for responsibility
Yesufu said Dickson’s primary responsibility as party leader should have been to reassure disgruntled aspirants and rally supporters behind the party.
Instead, she argued that his comments risked alienating people whose support would be crucial during the election.
She further accused the NDC leader of shifting responsibility whenever flaws within the party are highlighted, urging him to accept full responsibility for the challenges that emerged during the primaries.
“The party is young. It was overwhelmed. Mistakes will be made. Accepting mistakes and taking responsibility is the way the party will become better,“, she said.
The 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, not engaging in internal disputes.
According to her, no one tried to challenge Dickson’s position as the leader of the party, insisting that the focus should remain on building a united platform capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.
She concluded her presentation with a quote from motivational speaker Jim Rohn, saying: “If what you did yesterday still seems big to you today, then you are not doing enough.”
