Aisha Yesufu slams Dickson, says he appears “insecure” over Peter Obi

Activist and prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has criticised the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, describing his recent media appearance as “painfully appalling” and suggesting that he appeared insecure in his handling of internal party issues.

Yesufu made the remarks in a post on X on Thursday, where she responded to comments made by Dickson during an interview on ARISE NEWS. In the interview, the former Bayelsa State governor defended the party’s leadership and addressed concerns raised by supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the NDC primaries.

Reacting to the interview, Yesufu said Dickson’s focus should have been on strengthening unity within the party and reassuring supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections rather than presenting himself in a manner that suggested rivalry with the party’s presidential candidate.

She argued that his first major interview after the primaries should have been used to promote the party’s candidates and calm tensions among aggrieved members.

According to her, some of Dickson’s remarks created the impression that he was “in competition” with the presidential candidate, Peter Obi, an assertion she strongly rejected.

Yesufu maintained that she had complied with the party’s internal processes during the primaries, despite earlier disagreements over arrangements that affected aspirants in the Federal Capital Territory.

She said she had engaged her supporters and worked to manage tensions within the party when concerns were raised about the conduct of the primaries.

The activist also rejected any suggestion that she had disregarded party rules, insisting that she followed due process while urging her supporters to remain focused on the broader political objectives of the party.

She further criticised what she described as Dickson’s portrayal of the NDC as a “special purpose vehicle,” arguing instead that the party must function as a competitive political platform with the objective of winning elections.

Yesufu stressed that the primary responsibility of party leadership was to unite members, address grievances, and mobilise support rather than deepen internal divisions.

She called for greater focus on the 2027 general elections, saying the country’s challenges should remain the central priority of all political actors within the party.

“There is a whole battle ahead of us. Rescuing Nigeria from the current state it is in should be the main focus, not people’s fragile ego,” she said.

Dickson had earlier defended the NDC leadership, insisting that criticisms from some supporters of the presidential candidate were misplaced and warning against actions that could undermine the party’s cohesion.

He maintained that the party remained united despite internal disagreements arising from its primaries and dismissed claims of an ongoing crisis within its ranks.