By Kenechukwu Ofomah, Awka
A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili has warned that the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) will be sending a wrong signal to Nigerians, ahead of the 2027 General Elections, if it fails to guarantee democratic actions within its internal systems.
Ezekwesili is insisting that the NDC must exemplify the genuine change and values it intends to engender in Nigeria’s political space in its internal ranks.
The former Education Minister made the demands in a message to prominent activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, over her alleged exclusion from the NDC Primary contest for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senatorial District ticket.
Yesufu had on Wednesday completed a tour of all the Area Councils in the FCT, where she met with party leaders, ward officials, and stakeholders, during which she spoke against her alleged exclusion, but restated her commitment to the welfare of the people.
In her message to Yesufu on X, Ezekwesili commended her for what she said was a standard‑setting run for the FCT Senate seat, noting that in just a few weeks, she showed what becomes possible when a selfless, sensible, competent, and courageous citizen steps into politics for the right reasons.
Urging the activist to hold her head high despite the denial, Ezekwesili said what happened to her aspiration was the very disease that continues to cripple governance in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to her, Yesufu’s experience is yet another reminder that until citizens collectively dismantle the systemic barriers bedeviling the nation’s political space, good governance will remain elusive.
“You embodied everything Nigeria desperately needs more of in public office. 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.
“You spoke when silence was safer. You have consistently shown that active citizenship matters. 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. 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,” Ezekwesili regretted.
The former Vice‑President for Africa at the World Bank, expressed surprise that, despite its claims, the NDC leadership failed to guarantee a transparent and credible internal process.
Noting that political parties are the gatekeepers of democracy, Ezekwesili said that when they fail to practice democracy internally, that becomes a red flag.
Addressing Yesufu, Ezekwesili continued, “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.
“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.
“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.”
