Prominent activist and political advocate Aisha Yesufu has criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing party officials of failing to uphold transparency and fairness during the process that produced the party’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate candidate.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, Yesufu expressed disappointment over the handling of the nomination exercise, arguing that commitments made to party members were not honoured.
In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, the outspoken activist questioned assurances reportedly given by party leaders regarding the conduct of the primary election and the inclusion of all area councils in the process.
According to her, party leaders must be held accountable for promises made to members, stressing that her concerns were not about personal ambition but about ensuring a credible and transparent system that members can trust.
Yesufu said she had faced criticism and personal attacks as a result of the controversy but insisted that safeguarding the integrity of the party was more important than any individual political aspiration.
She maintained that political parties seeking to provide Nigerians with a genuine alternative must be guided by accountability, transparency, and respect for internal democratic principles.
The activist noted that she would have accepted any outcome that emerged from a process widely considered fair and credible, adding that her commitment to supporting the party’s presidential candidate remains unchanged despite her concerns.
Her remarks come shortly after her withdrawal from the race for the FCT Senate ticket following the party’s decision not to hold a competitive primary for the position. The development sparked speculation that the ticket had effectively been reserved for another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who was already a member of the party before Yesufu joined.
The controversy also follows allegations raised by Yesufu on May 30, when she claimed that established procedures in the nomination process had been disregarded, raising questions about transparency and inclusiveness within the party.
The dispute has intensified discussions about internal democracy and candidate selection within the NDC as the party prepares for the 2027 general election. Political observers believe the situation could become a major test of the party’s ability to manage internal disagreements while presenting itself as a credible alternative on the national political stage.
