Seriake Dickson Claims Peter Obi Offered Aisha Yesufu House of Reps Ticket
National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, said he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, extended a House of Representatives ticket to activist Aisha Yesufu.
According to Dickson, Yesufu responded that she was “too big” for the position, adding that the seat is one many politicians are desperately fighting for.
He recalled the conversation, quoting himself: “Now, talking about the FCT, do you know that Peter Obi and I offered Aisha Yesufu a House of Representatives ticket, but she turned it down? House of Representatives that people are fighting for, she said she’s too big for it.”
Yesufu’s Response to Dickson’s Remarks
The activist had previously accused Dickson of seeking personal relevance instead of strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Thursday, she expressed disappointment with his comments and leadership style.
Yesufu noted that she had remained loyal to the NDC’s processes despite disagreements over how the primaries were conducted. She said she accepted the party’s decisions and worked to calm supporters who felt aggrieved by the outcome.
In her reply, she wrote: “Dear Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, while I take my time to properly address your allusion of me not playing by the rules – which I consider very disingenuous, seeing how I followed the process and even when you insisted there would be no senate primaries – I let things go and asked my teeming supporters to focus on the bigger picture.”
She added that she toured the FCT to pacify her supporters and party members who felt disrespected after waiting for primaries that never took place.
Criticism of Dickson’s Leadership Approach
Yesufu described a portion of Dickson’s television interview as troubling, claiming he appeared more concerned with his own image than with the party’s electoral prospects.
She said: “This part of the interview was so painfully appalling to watch. It looked as if you were insecure and in competition with your Presidential Candidate. Your first one‑on‑one interview after the primaries, and instead of selling your candidates and giving confidence to people on how to set the road to winning the 2027 election, you made it about yourself.”
The activist urged the NDC to treat its registration as a means to an end – winning the 2027 general election – rather than an end in itself.
She also faulted Dickson for failing to reassure aggrieved aspirants and supporters after the primaries, stating that a party leader’s primary duty is to pacify disappointed members and encourage continued support.
Yesufu concluded by urging party leaders to accept responsibility for mistakes, stay focused on national issues, and prioritise rescuing Nigeria from its current state over personal egos.
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