By Lateef Ibrahim
Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has publicly challenged comments made by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) national leader, Seriake Dickson, warning that the party’s leadership should remain focused on winning the 2027 presidential election rather than engaging in unnecessary internal disputes.
Yesufu’s criticism followed Dickson’s recent appearance on national television, where he defended the party’s leadership and responded to concerns raised by some supporters of the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the conduct of the party’s primaries.
In a strongly worded post shared on her verified X account on Thursday, the activist suggested that Dickson’s public comments were creating the impression of a rivalry between him and Obi.
According to her, no one within the party was disputing Dickson’s position as a leading figure in the NDC, making it unnecessary for him to repeatedly defend his authority.
“You seem to be in a competition with the NDC presidential candidate,” Yesufu wrote, adding that the focus of party leaders should be on building momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
She argued that the opposition coalition faces a much bigger challenge in convincing Nigerians that it can provide an alternative to the current administration, rather than becoming distracted by internal disagreements.
The activist stressed that rescuing Nigeria from its economic and governance challenges should take precedence over what she described as personal sensitivities and ego-driven disputes.
Her remarks reflect growing concerns among some Obi supporters, who have recently expressed dissatisfaction with developments within the party following the conclusion of its primaries.
The comments also highlight the delicate task facing the NDC leadership as it seeks to maintain unity among its various blocs and supporters ahead of the next election cycle.
While Dickson’s television interview was intended to address criticisms directed at the party leadership, it has instead sparked fresh debate over the relationship between the party hierarchy and Obi’s political base.
Political observers say the exchange underscores the importance of internal cohesion as opposition parties prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential election.
Neither Dickson nor the NDC leadership had officially responded to Yesufu’s latest remarks as of the time of filing this report.
