By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Prominent activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, has publicly criticised the National Leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, accusing him of appearing insecure and being in competition with the party’s presidential candidate following the party’s recent primary elections.
In a strongly-worded statement posted on social media, Yesufu expressed disappointment with Dickson’s conduct during what she described as his first one-on-one interview after the party’s primaries, arguing that he failed to use the opportunity to promote the party’s candidates and inspire confidence among supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former senatorial aspirant recalled her experience during the party’s nomination process, stating that despite concerns over the conduct of the primaries, she chose to prioritise the party’s overall interest and urged her supporters to remain focused on the larger objective.
According to her, she personally toured the Federal Capital Territory to pacify supporters and party members who felt sidelined after primaries they had expected failed to take place.
Yesufu maintained that she had actively participated in grassroots politics and did not rely on anyone to hand her a ticket, adding that she accepted the outcome of the process despite reservations.
She, however, said she was troubled by Dickson’s post-primary interview, alleging that his remarks suggested a leader more concerned about defending his personal position than advancing the party’s electoral prospects.
“It looked as if you were insecure and in competition with your Presidential Candidate,” she stated.
The activist argued that the registration of the NDC should not be viewed as an achievement in itself but rather as a vehicle for winning political power and providing alternative leadership for Nigeria.
According to her, the party’s primary objective should be securing victory in the 2027 elections and addressing the country’s mounting socio-economic and governance challenges.
She further accused the party leadership of failing to adequately manage the grievances of aspirants and supporters following the primaries.
Yesufu said Dickson’s responsibility as leader should have been to reconcile aggrieved members, reassure supporters and unite the party behind its candidates.
Instead, she alleged that his comments alienated individuals whose support would be crucial to the party’s electoral success.
“A leader must stoop to conquer,” she remarked, stressing that every vote would matter in the 2027 contest.
The activist also dismissed any suggestion that party members were challenging Dickson’s authority within the NDC, insisting that no one was interested in taking away his leadership role.
She argued that the focus should remain on building a formidable political platform capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current difficulties.
Yesufu further criticised what she described as a tendency by the party leader to deflect responsibility whenever controversies emerged within the organisation.
She urged him to embrace accountability and acknowledge mistakes, noting that errors were inevitable in a young political party.
“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 greater unity and focus within the party, Yesufu warned against allowing personal ambitions and ego to overshadow the broader mission of national transformation.
She concluded her remarks with a quote from renowned motivational speaker Jim Rohn, saying: “If what you did yesterday is still looking big to you today, then you are not doing enough.”
