“You deserved fairness” – Oby Ezekwesili consoles Aisha Yesufu over NDC Senate primary

In a message addressed to the activist, Ezekwesili congratulated Yesufu for what she described as an “exceptional, standard-setting run” and praised her conduct throughout the process.

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Her words: “First, hearty congratulations, Aisha, on your exceptional, standard-setting run for the FCT Senate seat.

“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.”

Ezekwesili said Yesufu contested with integrity and remained committed to the process despite the obstacles she encountered.

“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,” she stated.

The former minister described the experience as a reflection of broader challenges facing democratic participation and good governance in the country.

“Your experience is yet another reminder that until citizens collectively dismantle these systemic barriers, good governance will remain elusive,” she said.

Ezekwesili also commended Yesufu’s record of civic activism and advocacy for accountability, saying: “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.

“At a time when many seek office for privilege, you stepped forward to serve, to legislate, and to institutionalize the values you have long demanded from outside government. Your aspiration symbolized the possibility that principled citizens can transform advocacy into governance.”

Ezekwesili criticised the NDC’s internal process, saying the party failed to provide a transparent and credible platform for aspirants.

“Yet you asked only for a level playing field and were denied even that basic fairness. 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,” she lamented.

She said the issues raised by Yesufu’s experience extend beyond one political contest and speak to the broader state of Nigeria’s democracy.

Her words: “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.

“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.”