Activist Aisha Yesufu has rejected an offer to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing concerns over an unfair and irregular nomination process. Speaking at a public lecture on citizens’ participation in governance held at Veritas University in Abuja on Thursday, Yesufu explained that she declined the party’s ticket because approximately 20 other aspirants had already purchased nomination forms and were actively vying for the position. She emphasized that she would not be part of a system she deemed unjust, even if it meant personal political advancement was sacrificed.
Yesufu stated that the process lacked transparency and fairness, and that accepting the ticket would have undermined the efforts of other candidates who had invested both time and money into their campaigns. “The reason I didn’t take it was because of the process. There were about 20 competent people from whom money had been collected during the process who would be shortchanged,” she said. She described the arrangement as not only unfair but potentially criminal, questioning how a party claiming to uphold the rule of law could engage in such practices.
She further clarified that her decision was rooted in her personal values and commitment to integrity. “I have no problem with losing. I would rather stand with ordinary people than pursue titles and honours through an unfair process. That is how I have always lived my life,” Yesufu said. Her stance reflects a broader call for ethical governance and accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially among emerging leaders and civil society figures.
Beyond her personal decision, Yesufu urged young Nigerians to take a more active role in politics. She stressed that political participation should not be limited to voting during elections but should involve continuous engagement, advocacy, and oversight. She believes that meaningful change can only come when citizens demand transparency and fairness from political parties and institutions.
Her remarks at the Veritas University event have sparked discussions across social media and political circles, with many praising her principled stand. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of electoral integrity and political accountability, Yesufu’s decision serves as a reminder that ethical leadership begins with personal conviction. Her actions may inspire others to prioritize justice over personal gain in the pursuit of public office.
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