A former senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has criticised comments made by the party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, arguing that the leadership should be focused on healing divisions and strengthening support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yesufu made her position known in a post on X on Thursday while reacting to Dickson’s recent appearance on Arise Television, where he addressed concerns surrounding the party’s primary elections and broader internal challenges.
During the interview, Dickson acknowledged that the NDC’s primary process was not without flaws, citing logistical and administrative difficulties faced by the relatively new political platform as it conducted membership registration, congresses and various stages of candidate selection within a tight electoral timetable.
However, Yesufu argued that the public response from the party leadership fell short of what many members expected in the aftermath of the primaries.
According to her, the focus should have been on rebuilding confidence among aggrieved aspirants and supporters while rallying members behind the party’s candidates.
She suggested that the interview conveyed the impression of internal rivalry rather than collective commitment to the party’s electoral objectives.
“It looked as if you were insecure and in competition with your presidential candidate,” she wrote.
The activist also questioned the manner in which post-primary grievances were being managed, insisting that party leaders should prioritise reconciliation and take responsibility for shortcomings where necessary.
She maintained that effective leadership requires the ability to unite competing interests within the party and prevent disagreements from escalating into broader divisions.
“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,” she stated.
Yesufu further stressed that the party’s overriding objective should be securing electoral success in 2027 rather than becoming consumed by internal disputes.
She argued that members were more interested in building a viable political alternative capable of winning elections than engaging in leadership contests or personality clashes.
“No one can take away your leadership of NDC; no one is interested in that. The focus is Nigeria winning the 2027 election,” she added.
Her comments followed Dickson’s defence of the party’s primary elections, during which he acknowledged irregularities, appealed for understanding from dissatisfied members and called for reconciliation among stakeholders.
The former governor had urged party members to move beyond the primary process and work collectively to strengthen the NDC ahead of future electoral contests.
The exchange highlights ongoing efforts within the party to manage post-primary tensions as it seeks to consolidate support and position itself for the 2027 general elections.
