NDC: ‘You looked insecure; in competition with Obi’ — Aisha Yesufu tackles Dickson
Activist Aisha Yesufu Critiques NDC Leader Dickson’s Leadership Approach
Aisha Yesufu, an activist and member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has publicly criticized the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, suggesting that he appeared “insecure” and seemed to position himself in competition with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Yesufu’s remarks came in response to comments made by Dickson during an interview on ARISE NEWS. In that discussion, Dickson defended the party’s leadership amidst criticisms from some supporters of Obi following the NDC primaries.
In a post on X, Yesufu expressed her disappointment with Dickson’s interview, describing parts of it as “painfully appalling.” She argued that his first media appearance after the primaries should have concentrated on reassuring party members and promoting candidates in preparation for the upcoming 2027 elections.
“This part of the interview was so painfully appalling to watch,” she stated, highlighting that instead of fostering confidence among party supporters, Dickson focused on himself.
Furthermore, Yesufu disputed Dickson’s assertion that certain party members may have disregarded internal rules due to their popularity. While planning to address the allegation in detail later, she emphasized that she adhered to the party’s processes during the primaries and worked to support members feeling aggrieved by the party’s developments.
“I let things go and asked my supporters to focus on the bigger picture,” she said, noting her efforts to comfort those who felt disrespected when the anticipated primaries did not occur.
Yesufu also suggested that Dickson views the NDC as a “special purpose vehicle” that has fulfilled its purpose merely by being registered, rather than as a political party aiming for success in the 2027 elections.
“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.
The activist argued that Dickson’s primary responsibility as party leader during the interview should have been to address the concerns of aggrieved aspirants and encourage continued commitment from supporters.
“Yesufu stressed that no one was challenging Dickson’s leadership, insisting that the primary focus should instead be on preparing for electoral victory and addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues.
“There is a whole battle ahead of us. Rescuing Nigeria from its current state should be the main focus, not people’s fragile ego!” she declared.
In his earlier comments, Dickson defended the NDC against criticisms from some Obi supporters, asserting that attacks on the party were counterproductive to the presidential candidate’s ambitions. He maintained that despite disagreements from recent primaries, the party remained united and dismissed claims of an internal crisis.
