Ezekwesili Backs Yesufu, Says NDC Primary Was Flawed

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has thrown her weight behind activist and politician Aisha Yesufu following her unsuccessful bid for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate ticket of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), while faulting the conduct of the party’s internal primary process.

In a statement posted on her X handle on Saturday, Ezekwesili praised Yesufu’s participation in the senatorial selection process, describing her campaign as a model of principled and citizen-driven politics.

She congratulated the activist for what she called an “exceptional, standard-setting run” for the FCT Senate seat, noting that Yesufu demonstrated in a short period what is possible when a committed and principled citizen enters politics for the right reasons.

Ezekwesili argued that Yesufu’s experience reflects wider challenges in Nigeria’s political system, particularly the difficulty reform-minded candidates face within party structures.

According to her, the outcome of the exercise exposed systemic weaknesses that continue to limit credible and competent leadership from emerging through internal party contests.

She stressed that political parties remain central to democratic governance and must themselves uphold transparency, fairness and internal democracy if they expect to strengthen national institutions.

“It is therefore baffling that the NDC leadership failed to guarantee a transparent and credible internal process,” Ezekwesili wrote, urging the party to take steps to rebuild trust in its procedures.

The former minister also commended Yesufu’s long-standing activism, describing her as one of Nigeria’s most consistent voices for accountability, justice and good governance.

She added that although Yesufu did not secure the ticket, her participation had further amplified public conversations on electoral credibility within political parties.

Ezekwesili’s remarks followed Yesufu’s own account of the primary election, in which the activist alleged that the process lacked transparency and was altered at different stages.

Yesufu claimed the exercise was marked by repeated postponements, changes in venue and a shift from direct primaries to a delegate-based system.

She further alleged that the final outcome was determined through a closed-door affirmation rather than an open democratic contest.

Despite her concerns, Yesufu said she would not challenge the outcome in court, adding that the experience had strengthened her resolve to remain politically engaged.

She also reaffirmed her support for the NDC presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections and announced a new civic initiative tagged “#ABetterAbuja2031” aimed at sustaining grassroots mobilisation.