Nigerian activist and a leading figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has shared the reasons behind her decision to turn down an offer to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Background of the Nomination Offer
Yesufu explained that, at the time she was approached, about twenty individuals had already purchased nomination forms and were vying for the same position.
Concerns About Fairness
She argued that entering the race would have disadvantaged those aspirants who had already invested money and effort in the process.
According to her, “About twenty people had picked up forms for the ticket, and I was not going to be part of irregularities. I was not going to be part of that system, even though it would have benefited me.”
Critique of the Process
She continued, “The reason I didn’t accept the offer was the process itself. There were around twenty competent candidates from whom money had been collected during the nomination exercise, and they would have been short‑changed.”
Describing the arrangement as unjust, Yesufu stated, “The process was unjust; in my view, it was criminal. If we claim to be guided by the law, then why should we engage in something unjust?”
Preference for Integrity Over Gain
She emphasized that she would rather lose than gain from an unfair political system.
