Oby Ezekwesili speaks on Aisha Yesufu’s failed Senate bid

Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has voiced strong criticism regarding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat. She highlighted alleged manipulation against Aisha Yesufu, an activist and aspirant, as evidence of the party's shortcomings.

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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.

Ezekwesili emphasized that any political party positioning itself as an alternative to Nigerians must demonstrate the values it advocates, particularly transparent and credible internal processes. "Political parties are the gatekeepers of democracy," she stated in a Facebook post. "When they fail to practice democracy internally, that becomes a red flag." She urged the NDC to address these issues to establish itself as a credible opposition platform.

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Nigerians yearning for a new political culture are watching, and parties that claim to champion democratic renewal must embody the values they proclaim.

Aisha Yesufu, who defected to the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress, alleged that the primary election was manipulated against her. Despite the allegations, she announced she would not file a petition, choosing instead to learn from the experience. Another aspirant, Amanda Pam, won the ticket for the 2027 election.

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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 encouraged Yesufu not to be discouraged, stating that the lesson extends beyond her individual experience. "It is about whether Nigeria is ready to open political pathways for ethical, competent and capable citizens," Ezekwesili wrote. She believes Yesufu has earned the confidence of many Nigerians who now better understand the cost of the country's "broken political culture." Ezekwesili concluded by affirming that Yesufu's journey in public service has just begun.

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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.