Aisha Yesufu, a social crusader and rights campaigner, believes that Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, “has better chances in 2027 than he had in 2023.”
Yesufu made the claim on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State’s capital, while fielding questions from journalists at the Girls’ Summit organized by the Protect The Precious Foundation, where she was a guest speaker.
According to her, many Nigerians who did not believe in Obi’s speech during the 2023 general election have now come to support his vision.
“Peter Obi has more hope in 2027 than there was in 2023. When he started running in 2023, people said only four persons were tweeting for him. Despite the rigging that took place, he still got over six million votes.
“He won the 2023 election, even without having a single councillor. Many didn’t believe in him then, but today, people have seen the truth he stands for. His followership has grown, and all we ask for is a free, fair, and credible election—though we know they lack the capacity to give that.”
Yesufu called on Nigerians to ensure that their votes count during elections.
“When you vote, make sure your vote is counted and entered for your candidate. Otherwise, all you did was paper painting,” she said.
Speaking on the task ahead of the INEC chairman-designate, Yesufu replied that she had no expectations from him.
“I don’t have any task for him because even the president that appointed him, I don’t believe, is supposed to be there. For me, the focus is on the Nigerian people. INEC is not the problem; the people working there are.
“They are our brothers, sisters, spouses, and relatives. We must ensure they don’t take bribes or rig elections. If we do that, nobody will dare to rig.”
She complained that crucial electoral reforms had not been adopted as the 2027 elections approached.
“Nothing has been put in place. Nigerians must realize that the 2027 election is a fight for our lives.”
The activist criticized the assumption that Nigeria’s problems are spiritual, arguing that the real issue is poor government.
“People are dying from bad governance, corruption, and wrong policies. It’s not village people or enemies—it’s bad leaders.
“To have good governance, we must elect people with competence, character, and capacity—not looters or selfish individuals.”
Speaking on girl child advocacy, Yesufu expressed concern that the rights and welfare of girls in Nigeria continue to be neglected.
She criticized the government and society for turning a blind eye to abuses such as rape, child labor, and political exclusion, calling for stiffer punishment for offenders.
“Rape can be stopped if it is treated as a serious crime. Right now, it’s not. Offenders are often excused, and victims are shamed. We must criminalize rape, punish offenders, and give victims a voice.”
