Aisha Yesufu Criticises Dickson Over Post-Primary Remarks, Calls for Greater Focus on 2027
By Our Correspondent – Prominent activist and National Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain, Aisha Yesufu, has openly criticised the party’s national leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, over his comments following the party’s recently concluded primaries, urging him to prioritise party unity and preparations for the 2027 general election.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to Dickson, Yesufu rejected suggestions that she failed to abide by party rules during the nomination process, describing such claims as “disingenuous.” She maintained that she followed the laid-down procedures and accepted decisions made by the party leadership, even when she was informed that there would be no senatorial primaries.
According to her, she subsequently engaged supporters across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging them to remain committed to the party despite frustrations among members who had anticipated participating in primary elections that never took place.
“I played field politics; I never waited for anyone to give me a ticket,” she stated, insisting that her political efforts were driven by grassroots mobilisation rather than expectations of political favours.
Yesufu’s criticism centred largely on Dickson’s appearance during a television interview after the primaries. She argued that the interview should have focused on promoting the party’s candidates, reassuring aggrieved aspirants and presenting a roadmap towards electoral success in 2027.
Instead, she said the interview appeared overly focused on the party leader himself, creating the impression of unnecessary internal competition rather than collective mobilisation.
The activist further cautioned against viewing the NDC merely as a platform whose mission had been accomplished by securing registration, stressing that the party’s ultimate objective should be winning elections and providing effective leadership for Nigeria.
She also urged the party leadership to acknowledge mistakes made during the primary process, noting that errors were inevitable for a relatively new political organisation but that accountability remained essential for growth.
“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 said.
Calling for reconciliation within the party, Yesufu argued that leaders must make deliberate efforts to accommodate dissatisfied members and supporters, emphasising that every vote would count in the 2027 elections.
She warned against internal distractions and personal rivalries, insisting that the focus should remain on addressing Nigeria’s challenges and presenting a credible alternative to voters.
“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 stated.
Yesufu concluded her remarks with a quotation from renowned entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn: “If what you did yesterday is still looking big to you today, then you are not doing enough.”
Her comments add to growing conversations within the NDC over the conduct of its primaries and the need for unity as the party seeks to position itself as a major contender ahead of the 2027 general election.
