Aisha Criticises Dickson’s Leadership Style, Urges Him To Focus

Activist Aisha Yesufu has sharply criticized Senator Seriake Dickson, national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing him of appearing insecure and acting as though he competed with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Her remarks came in response to Dickson’s interview on ARISE NEWS, where he defended the NDC leadership and dismissed criticisms from Obi supporters following the party’s primaries. Yesufu, however, argued that Dickson’s tone and focus during the interview undermined confidence in the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

Yesufu described a portion of the interview as “painfully appalling,” stressing that Dickson’s first major media appearance after the primaries should have been used to reassure party members and promote candidates. Instead, she said, the leader made the conversation about himself rather than the party’s collective mission.

She rejected Dickson’s suggestion that some members had failed to follow internal rules because of their popularity. According to her, she complied with the party’s processes during the primaries and even worked to calm aggrieved supporters in the Federal Capital Territory.

Yesufu explained that she toured parts of Abuja to pacify members who felt disrespected after waiting for primaries that did not take place. She insisted that her actions demonstrated loyalty to the party and commitment to its broader goals.

The activist further accused Dickson of treating the NDC as a “special purpose vehicle” whose objective ended with registration, rather than as a political party determined to win the 2027 general election. She emphasised that the leader’s responsibility was to pacify aspirants and encourage supporters, not antagonise them.

“As a leader of a political party, your number one job in that interview was to pacify aspirants, many of whom are rightfully aggrieved, and secondly to call on supporters to bear with the party and support it,” she wrote. “But you ended up antagonising the very people you would need to win an election. Every vote counts!”

Yesufu stressed that no one was challenging Dickson’s leadership but warned that fragile egos must not distract from the urgent task of rescuing Nigeria. She urged the NDC to focus on building unity and preparing for the 2027 polls.

“There is a whole battle ahead of us. Rescuing Nigeria from the current state it is in should be the main focus, not people’s fragile ego,” she added.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, had earlier defended the party against criticisms, insisting that the NDC remained united despite disagreements from the primaries. He dismissed suggestions of an internal crisis and argued that attacks on the party were counterproductive to Obi’s ambition.

The exchange highlights growing tension within the NDC as it positions itself for the 2027 elections. While Dickson insists the party is stable, Yesufu’s intervention underscores concern among members about leadership style and strategy.

Observers note that the NDC’s ability to manage internal disagreements will be crucial as it seeks to present itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape. With the 2027 elections approaching, activists like Yesufu are pressing for a shift from personality-driven disputes to collective action aimed at winning power and addressing Nigeria’s challenges.