Dare Babalola
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has criticised the leadership of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) over what she described as the party’s failure to guarantee a transparent and credible internal process during the selection of its candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat.
Ezekwesili made the remarks in a post on X on Saturday while reacting to the unsuccessful senatorial bid of activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, whom she praised for what she called an “exceptional, standard-setting run” for the FCT Senate ticket.
The former minister expressed disappointment that Yesufu, whom she described as one of the most selfless, courageous and competent individuals in the party, was unable to emerge from the process despite, according to her, seeking nothing more than a fair and transparent contest.
“It is therefore baffling that the NDC leadership failed to guarantee a transparent and credible internal process,” Ezekwesili wrote.
She argued that political parties serve as the gatekeepers of democracy and warned that any party seeking to champion democratic renewal must first demonstrate those principles within its own structures.
According to her, Nigerians yearning for a different political culture are closely watching the conduct of political parties, particularly those presenting themselves as alternatives to the established political order.
Ezekwesili said the circumstances surrounding Yesufu’s failed bid reflected a deeper crisis within Nigeria’s democratic system, where competent and ethical citizens often face systemic barriers when attempting to participate in governance through electoral politics.
She maintained that what happened to Yesufu was not merely a personal setback but an illustration of the entrenched obstacles that continue to undermine democratic progress in Nigeria and across Africa.
“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,” she stated.
The former minister further argued that until citizens collectively challenge and dismantle these barriers, good governance would remain difficult to achieve, as political systems would continue to shut out capable individuals while preserving the status quo.
Ezekwesili used the occasion to commend Yesufu’s long-standing record of activism and public engagement, describing her as one of the most outstanding examples of active citizenship in Nigeria.
She recalled that before venturing into electoral politics, Yesufu had earned national recognition through her advocacy for accountability, justice and democratic governance, often speaking out on critical national issues despite personal risks.
“At a time when many seek office for privilege, you stepped forward to serve, to legislate, and to institutionalise the values you have long demanded from outside government,” Ezekwesili wrote.
She noted that Yesufu’s senatorial aspiration represented an opportunity to demonstrate that principled citizens can successfully transition from advocacy to governance, adding that the activist’s campaign inspired many Nigerians seeking a more accountable political leadership.
Ezekwesili, however, lamented that Nigeria’s political environment continues to recycle mediocrity while excluding excellence, warning that the country’s democracy would struggle to deliver meaningful results unless pathways are created for ethical, competent and capable citizens to participate fairly in politics.
Despite the setback, she encouraged Yesufu to remain committed to public service, insisting that the activist had earned the admiration and confidence of countless Nigerians who now better understand the challenges confronting reform-minded citizens within the political system.
She expressed confidence that Yesufu’s political journey was far from over and pledged continued support for her future aspirations.
