Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has criticized the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the alleged manipulation of its primary election for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat, stating that the party must address its internal shortcomings to thrive as a credible opposition platform.
Ezekwesili emphasized that any party presenting itself as an alternative to Nigerians must embody the values it advocates, including transparent and credible internal processes. She made this remark in a Facebook post reacting to Aisha Yesufu's failed senatorial bid and allegations that the party's primary election was manipulated against her.
“It is therefore baffling that the NDC leadership failed to guarantee a transparent and credible internal process. Political parties are the gatekeepers of democracy. When they fail to practice democracy internally, that becomes a red flag, and I hope your party, NDC, takes the right turns necessary to reclaim that ground,” she wrote.
Yesufu, an aspirant in the NDC's senatorial primary, failed to secure the party's ticket during the primary election conducted on Friday. Another female aspirant, Amanda Pam, won the primary and was declared the party's candidate for the FCT Senate seat in the 2027 election.
However, Yesufu alleged that the primary was manipulated against her, citing repeated postponements and last-minute venue changes as evidence. Despite the allegations, the activist-turned-politician said she would not file a petition, choosing instead to learn from the experience.
Yesufu, an ally of the NDC's sole presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, joined the Senate race in May after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC.
In her post, Ezekwesili urged Yesufu not to be discouraged but to learn from the experience. She also called on Nigerians to prioritize competent leaders to strengthen democratic governance.
“The lesson here is bigger than you, Aisha. It is about whether Nigeria is ready to open political pathways for ethical, competent and capable citizens. Until that answer becomes 'yes,' our democracy will continue to recycle mediocrity while excluding excellence,” Ezekwesili said.
“Aisha, I know you will always hold your head high. You may not have secured the ticket, but you have earned something far more enduring. You have earned the confidence and admiration of countless Nigerians who now better understand the cost of our broken political culture.
“Nigeria will yet be grateful that you chose not only to speak as a citizen, but to step forward and offer yourself for public service by running for the Senate. Your journey has only just begun. We are many that are cheering you on! Blessings and hugs always.”
