NDC Reps ticket: I won’t trade principles for power – Aisha Yesufu

By Jude Opara

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has revealed that she turned down an offer to contest for the House of Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections because accepting the ticket would have required her to compromise on issues of principle.

Yesufu made the disclosure during an interview with Symfoni TV, monitored in Abuja, where she explained that she received political offers that came with conditions she was unwilling to accept.

According to the activist, her decision was driven by a determination to preserve her integrity rather than pursue political office at all costs.

She stressed that political power should not be pursued through desperation or by compromising personal convictions.

“I did not accept the House of Representatives ticket that was given to me because there were other people who were doing it on the issue of principle,” Yesufu said.

She explained that several proposals presented to her were accompanied by conditions, describing the situation as one in which she would have had to do certain things in exchange for political support.

Yesufu maintained that she was unwilling to make such compromises, insisting that public office should be pursued on the basis of genuine commitment to national development rather than personal ambition.

“We are not going to sell Nigeria. I don’t have to be president by force. We won’t make any promises that we will not fulfil,” she added.

Her comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties and political figures seeking prominent individuals to strengthen their electoral campaigns.

The NDC’s national leader, former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson, had previously disclosed that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, offered Yesufu the House of Representatives ticket.

Dickson said the activist, however, declined the offer.

Yesufu’s latest comments provide further insight into her decision, suggesting that her refusal was less about a lack of interest in public service and more about her unwillingness to compromise her principles in the pursuit of elective office.