A fresh controversy has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following claims by the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, that prominent activist Aisha Yesufu declined an offer to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives because she considered the position beneath her political ambitions.
Dickson, speaking during a television interview amid the fallout from the NDC’s recently concluded primaries, disclosed that both he and former presidential candidate Peter Obi had encouraged Yesufu to seek election into the House of Representatives. According to him, the proposal was intended to provide the activist with a viable pathway into elective politics, but she allegedly rejected the idea in favour of pursuing a higher office.
The revelation comes against the backdrop of an escalating dispute between the party leadership and Yesufu over the conduct of the NDC’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial primary. The activist had entered the race after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, declaring her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat under the party’s platform.
However, her senatorial ambition suffered a setback after the party’s primary process became mired in controversy. Yesufu subsequently accused the NDC of subverting internal democratic procedures and violating the spirit of a transparent nomination process, insisting that the selection exercise was manipulated.
Dickson, while acknowledging concerns surrounding the primaries, maintained that efforts had been made to accommodate the activist within the party’s electoral calculations. His remarks, however, have further intensified tensions between both camps and exposed deepening cracks within a coalition many view as a key opposition force ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a swift response, Yesufu dismissed suggestions that she had rejected opportunities out of political arrogance, accusing some party leaders of prioritising personal relevance over the broader objective of building a formidable opposition movement. She warned that internal divisions and what she described as “fragile egos” could undermine the party’s prospects in future elections.
The exchange has added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing debate over candidate selection, internal democracy and leadership within the NDC, as stakeholders continue to grapple with the aftermath of a primary process that has left several party members dissatisfied.