Former Education Minister and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly reacted to Aisha Yesufu’s explosive revelation regarding how she was allegedly rigged out of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) FCT Senatorial primaries in a “closed room.”
In a deeply personal and emotional letter addressed directly to Yesufu, Ezekwesili commended her for running an exceptional, standard-setting campaign, while sharply criticizing the leadership of the NDC for failing to guarantee a transparent and credible internal process.
Ezekwesili did not hold back in her admiration for Yesufu’s brief but impactful entry into electoral politics, stating that the activist showed Nigerians what is truly possible when the right people step into the ring.
“First, hearty congratulations, Aisha, on your exceptional, standard‑setting run for the FCT Senate seat,” Ezekwesili wrote. “In just a few weeks, you showed what becomes possible when a selfless, sensible, competent, and courageous citizen steps into politics for the right reasons. You embodied everything Nigeria desperately needs more of in public office.”
She told Yesufu to hold her head high, noting that her integrity throughout the process remained intact even when the systemic decay of Nigerian politics tried to block her.
“You should be immensely proud. You played by the rules, fought with integrity, and stayed the course until the entrenched barriers that routinely shut out citizens like you reared their familiar head. No reasonable observer is in doubt: what happened to your aspiration is the very disease that continues to cripple governance in Nigeria and across Africa.”
Turning her attention to the internal handling of the primary election by the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Ezekwesili expressed deep disappointment. She warned that political parties cannot preach democracy to the nation while practicing the exact opposite behind closed doors.
“No honest observer can deny your consistency, patriotism, and resilience. You are one of the most selfless and courageous minds your party- the National Democratic Coalition (NDC)- could have offered in 2027. Yet you asked only for a level playing field and were denied even that basic fairness,” she lamented.
Ezekwesili added a stern warning to the party’s leadership, emphasizing that the general public is closely watching their actions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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. Nigerians yearning for a new political culture are watching, and parties that claim to champion democratic renewal must embody the values they proclaim.”
Reiterating Yesufu’s long-standing legacy as a fearless advocate for justice long before she entered politics, Ezekwesili referred to her as one of the finest examples of active citizenship.
“I have often spoken publicly about your rare character, your courage, competence, and unwavering commitment to accountability and justice. Long before electoral politics, you earned national relevance through sacrifice and fearless citizenship. You spoke when silence was safer. You stood firm when retreat would have been easier. You have consistently shown that active citizenship matters, which is why I call you one of the greatest occupants of #TheOfficeOfTheCitizen.”
While Yesufu may have been denied the ticket through what she described as a “clandestine affirmation behind closed doors,” Ezekwesili assured her that her impact has already left a permanent mark on the minds of Nigerians.
“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.”
Concluding her powerful message with words of reassurance, Ezekwesili wrote: “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.”
