Prominent activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, has publicly criticised the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, over what she described as an underwhelming performance during his recent appearance on Arise Television.

In a strongly worded statement addressed to the former Bayelsa State governor, Yesufu expressed disappointment with the tone and substance of the interview, arguing that Dickson missed an important opportunity to unite party members, reassure aggrieved aspirants, and inspire confidence in the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.

While indicating that she would later provide a detailed response to remarks she considered unfair and misleading regarding her role within the party, Yesufu maintained that she had consistently respected party processes, even when circumstances surrounding the conduct of party primaries left many supporters frustrated.

According to her, she chose to place the broader interests of the party above personal ambition, despite concerns over how certain decisions were handled.

She recalled that when it became apparent that there would be no senatorial primaries as earlier anticipated, she accepted the situation and urged her supporters to remain calm and committed to the larger objective of building the party.

Yesufu noted that she personally travelled across the Federal Capital Territory to pacify supporters and party members who felt disappointed after gathering at various party offices in expectation of primary elections that never took place.

She stressed that her political journey has always been rooted in grassroots engagement and direct participation rather than reliance on political patronage.

“I never waited for anyone to hand me a ticket. I played field politics and worked within the system,” she stated.

However, her strongest criticism was reserved for Dickson’s television interview, which she said projected the image of a leader competing with his own presidential candidate rather than promoting the party’s collective interests.

According to Yesufu, it was troubling that Dickson’s first major one-on-one interview after the conclusion of the party’s primaries focused more on his personal role and achievements than on presenting a compelling vision for the party’s future.

She argued that the interview should have been used as an opportunity to market the party’s candidates, strengthen public confidence, and reassure Nigerians that the NDC was prepared to challenge for power in 2027.

“It appeared as though the focus was on yourself rather than on the party’s presidential candidate and the journey ahead,” she said.

Yesufu further suggested that Dickson’s comments created the impression that the registration of the NDC was an end in itself rather than a vehicle for achieving meaningful political change.

According to her, a political party exists to win elections and implement policies that improve the lives of citizens, not merely to celebrate its existence.

“With all due respect, it looked as though the NDC was being treated as a Special Purpose Vehicle whose mission had already been accomplished simply by being registered,” she said.

“The registration of the party should be a means to an end, not the end itself.”

She argued that one of Dickson’s most important responsibilities as leader of the party was to heal divisions and address the concerns of members who felt aggrieved by aspects of the primary election process.

Rather than confronting supporters and critics, she said, the leadership should be extending olive branches and encouraging unity ahead of the larger political battle that lies ahead.

“A leader must sometimes humble himself in order to achieve victory,” she remarked, emphasizing that every supporter and every vote would matter in the quest to win the 2027 election.

Yesufu also rejected any suggestion that individuals within the party were attempting to undermine Dickson’s leadership.

According to her, no one is interested in taking away his position as leader of the NDC, adding that the focus should remain on building a formidable political platform capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.

She maintained that Dickson appeared to be fighting battles that did not exist and attempting to defend himself against perceived threats that were not being directed at him.

“You have nothing to prove to anyone. Your responsibility is simply to lead,” she said.

The activist also urged the party leadership to embrace accountability whenever mistakes occur, arguing that acknowledging shortcomings is essential for institutional growth.

She noted that the NDC is still a relatively young political party and that challenges are inevitable in the process of building a national political movement.

“The party is young and was overwhelmed by the level of participation and expectations. Mistakes will happen. What matters is accepting responsibility and learning from them,” she said.

Concluding her remarks, Yesufu called on party leaders and members to focus on the larger national mission rather than personal interests or individual sensitivities.

According to her, the task of offering Nigerians a credible alternative government in 2027 is far more important than internal disputes or wounded egos.

She ended her statement with a quote from renowned motivational speaker Jim Rohn: “If what you did yesterday is still looking big to you today, then you are not doing enough.”

For Yesufu, the message was clear: the NDC must move beyond internal distractions and concentrate on the greater objective of building a united opposition capable of transforming Nigeria.