‘I won’t compromise my integrity’ — Aisha Yesufu on rejected NDC ticket

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has explained why she turned down a House of Representatives ticket offered to her by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV, Yesufu said her decision was guided by her principles and refusal to accept political conditions that would require her to compromise her values.

She said several political offers came with expectations and specific conditions, but she was unwilling to accept any arrangement that conflicted with her beliefs.

Yesufu stressed that she was not desperate for political power and would not compromise her integrity to secure an elective position.

“I did not accept the House of Representatives ticket that was given to me because there were other people who were doing it on the issue of principle. There were many issues where many people brought ‘I will make you this but you have to do A, B, C, D. It’s pretty obvious.

“We are not going to sell Nigeria. I don’t have to be president by force. We won’t make any promises that we will not fulfill,” she said.

The development comes after NDC national leader Seriake Dickson disclosed that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had offered Yesufu a House of Representatives ticket, which she rejected.

Yesufu’s decision means she will not contest for the House of Representatives seat under the NDC platform in the 2027 general elections.