Activist and prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has openly criticised the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, accusing him of projecting an image of insecurity and appearing to compete with the party’s presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi.
Yesufu made the remarks in a post on X on Thursday while reacting to statements Dickson made during an interview on ARISE NEWS. In the interview, the former Bayelsa State governor defended the party’s leadership and responded to concerns raised by some Obi supporters following the conduct of the NDC primaries.
Expressing disappointment with portions of the interview, Yesufu said she found Dickson’s comments troubling, arguing that his first major media engagement after the primaries should have focused on strengthening confidence within the party and promoting its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to her, the interview appeared to shift attention away from the party’s electoral ambitions and instead placed undue emphasis on the party leader himself.
“This segment of the interview was difficult to watch,” she wrote. “It gave the impression that you were insecure and competing with your own presidential candidate. Rather than using the opportunity to reassure members and sell the party’s vision, the discussion became centred on you.”
Yesufu also challenged Dickson’s suggestion that some members may have refused to abide by party rules because of their popularity or influence. She described such insinuations as unfair, insisting that she complied with the party’s procedures throughout the primary process.
She noted that despite disagreements surrounding the conduct of the primaries, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), she chose to prioritise unity and encouraged her supporters to remain committed to the party’s broader objectives.
The activist explained that she personally engaged with supporters and party faithful across parts of the FCT to calm frustrations among members who felt sidelined after anticipated primary elections failed to hold.
She further argued that Dickson appeared to treat the NDC as a platform that had already fulfilled its purpose simply by securing registration, rather than as a political organisation focused on winning power in 2027.
“With all due respect, it seems as though the party is being viewed as a special-purpose vehicle whose mission ended with registration, rather than a political movement determined to secure victory in the next general election,” she stated.
Yesufu stressed that Dickson’s primary responsibility during the interview should have been to reconcile aggrieved aspirants, rebuild trust among disappointed members, and encourage supporters to remain loyal to the party despite internal disagreements.
She maintained that successful political leadership requires bringing people together rather than alienating those whose support would be crucial during elections.
“As party leader, the priority should have been to address the concerns of aspirants who feel aggrieved and appeal to supporters to remain patient and committed. Instead, the interview appeared to antagonise people whose backing will be needed in the future. Every vote matters, and leadership often requires humility,” she said.
The activist also dismissed any notion that party members were challenging Dickson’s authority, insisting that attention should remain fixed on the larger goal of winning the 2027 elections and addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
She argued that the country’s current difficulties require collective focus and warned against allowing personal egos to distract from the broader mission of political change.
“There is a much bigger struggle ahead. The focus should be on rescuing Nigeria and improving the lives of citizens, not on personal sensitivities or individual pride,” she added.
Dickson had earlier defended the NDC against criticism from some Obi supporters, arguing that attacks on the party and its leadership were harmful to the presidential candidate’s political aspirations. He also rejected claims of a major internal crisis, maintaining that the party remained united despite disagreements that emerged during its recent primary elections.