NDC: “You looked insecure, in competition with Obi” — Aisha Yesufu tackles Dickson

Activist and member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has criticised the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, saying he appeared “insecure” and acted as though he was in competition with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Yesufu made the remarks in a post on X on Thursday, responding to an interview Dickson granted on ARISE NEWS, where he defended the party’s leadership and addressed criticisms from supporters following the NDC primaries.

She said parts of the interview were “painfully appalling,” arguing that Dickson’s first major post-primary media appearance should have focused on unity, reassurance, and strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to her, the emphasis should have been on promoting the party’s candidates rather than appearing defensive or self-focused during a critical political period.

“This part of the interview was so painfully appalling to watch,” she wrote, adding that it appeared as though Dickson was “in competition with your presidential candidate.”

Yesufu also challenged his suggestion that some members disregarded party rules due to popularity, insisting she followed all internal processes during the primaries.

She said she had previously accepted party decisions, even when there were disputes over whether primaries would hold, and had urged her supporters to remain focused on the broader political objective.

The activist added that she had engaged with supporters in the Federal Capital Territory to calm tensions following disagreements around the primaries.

She further argued that the NDC should function as a serious political platform aiming to win elections, not merely as a structure that achieved relevance through registration alone.

“With all due respect, it looks as if you consider the NDC a special purpose vehicle… instead of a political party whose aim is to win the 2027 general election decisively,” she stated.

Yesufu stressed that leadership responsibility required reconciliation and persuasion, especially after a divisive primary process that left some aspirants dissatisfied.

She maintained that unity and strategic focus were essential if the party intended to succeed in the 2027 elections and deliver meaningful political change.

Dickson had earlier defended the party’s leadership, insisting it remained united despite internal disagreements and rejecting claims of a crisis within the NDC.