National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has disclosed that prominent activist and political commentator Aisha Yesufu was offered a House of Representatives ticket by the party but declined the opportunity to contest for elective office.
Dickson made the revelation during a stakeholders’ meeting of the NDC in Abuja, amid growing discussions surrounding recent internal disagreements and political tensions within the party.
According to the former Bayelsa State governor, the offer was jointly made by him and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as part of efforts to encourage greater participation from influential voices within the party and broader civil society movement.
Speaking before party members and stakeholders, Dickson cited the incident while discussing political participation and leadership within the NDC.
“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?” he said.
“House of Representatives that people are fighting for, she said she’s too big for it.”
The comments come against the backdrop of recent exchanges between Dickson and Yesufu, which have attracted attention among party supporters and political observers.
Earlier, Yesufu had taken to her verified X account to criticise remarks attributed to Dickson, suggesting that the party leader appeared to be engaged in a conflict that did not exist.
“Dickson seems to be fighting a war no one is waging against him,” she wrote, a statement that quickly generated reactions across social media platforms.
Although Dickson did not directly address the social media criticism in detail during the stakeholders’ meeting, his disclosure appeared aimed at highlighting the party’s previous efforts to involve Yesufu more formally in electoral politics.
Yesufu, a prominent advocate for democratic governance, accountability and citizen participation, has earned national recognition through her activism and support for political reform movements. Over the years, she has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential civic voices, often engaging in national debates on governance, elections and public policy.
Despite her visibility in political advocacy, she has largely remained outside elective politics, preferring to operate as a civil society advocate and commentator on national issues.
Political analysts note that Dickson’s revelation offers a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes efforts by political leaders to recruit respected activists into formal political roles. Such moves are often aimed at strengthening party structures and attracting individuals with strong public credibility.
The disclosure has also reignited conversations about the role of activists in electoral politics and whether prominent civil society figures should transition into public office to directly influence policy and governance.
Meanwhile, the NDC continues to navigate internal debates as it seeks to consolidate its position ahead of future elections. Party leaders have repeatedly emphasised the need for unity and cohesion despite differing opinions among members and supporters.
As reactions continue to trail Dickson’s comments, attention is likely to focus on whether Yesufu responds publicly to the claim and offers further insight into the circumstances surrounding the reported House of Representatives ticket offer.
For now, the revelation has added another dimension to ongoing discussions about leadership, political participation and the future direction of the NDC as it prepares for the next phase of its political journey.
