Aisha Yesufu Chose Senate Seat Instead of House of Reps Slot Offered by Peter Obi – NDC

National secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ikenna Enekweizu, has revealed further details of the party’s internal crisis on legislative tickets, including the role played by it’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the process.

Enekweizu said this during an interview on Channels Television, adding that Obi had backed activist Aisha Yesufu for the House of Representatives seat representing AMAC/Bwari during consultations held before the elections.

He said the recommendation was part of a process by party leaders to reach agreement on candidates before final names were submitted.

The talks were reportedly aimed at reducing internal divisions and helping the party enter the election season with a united position.

Yesufu, however, ultimately opted to go for a senatorial ticket, rather than the House of Representatives slot that had been suggested during consultations, in spite of the proposal.

He stated, “Peter Obi personally told me that he wanted Aisha Yesufu to contest for the House of Representatives for AMAC/Bwari. But she went Senate.”

“Political parties usually direct members on the offices they should contest for to balance and have better chances during elections,” he said.

While aspirants are free to make their own choices, he said, party leadership generally seeks to accommodate individual ambitions within the organisation’s larger plans.

The NDC secretary also addressed concerns from aspirants who did not get party tickets.

Disappointment in political contests is common, he said, and the party has a process in place to deal with complaints and resolve disputes among members.

He added that the leadership is still committed to maintaining unity within the party despite any differences that may arise during the selection process.

He said the party officials were working to ensure the disagreements did not affect preparations for future elections.