KEY POINTS
- Aisha Yesufu says Obi’s support has deepened since 2023.
- Calls for free, fair elections and civic vigilance.
- Warns 2027 polls are critical for Nigeria’s survival.
Social crusader and rights activist Aisha Yesufu believes the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stands a stronger chance in 2027 than he did two years ago.
She said this on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State, while addressing journalists at the Girls’ Summit hosted by Protect the Precious Foundation, where she appeared as guest speaker.
Yesufu said many Nigerians who doubted Obi in 2023 now see merit in his message of accountability and good governance.
“Peter Obi has more hope in 2027 than there was in 2023,” she said. “When he started, people mocked him and said only four persons were tweeting for him. Yet, despite all the rigging, he got over six million votes.”
Obi’s appeal grows beyond 2023 followers
The activist said Obi’s growing support base reflects a national awakening. She insisted the 2023 election “was won” by him despite lacking a single councillor in office.
“Many didn’t believe in him then,” she said, “but today, they’ve seen what he stands for. His followers have grown. All we want now is a free, fair, and credible election though we know they may lack the will to provide that.”
Yesufu called on Nigerians to defend their votes at the polls. “When you vote, ensure your vote is counted,” she said. “Otherwise, it’s just paper painting.”
When asked about the INEC Chairman-designate, she said she had no expectations. “Even the President that appointed him shouldn’t be there. INEC isn’t the problem; the people in it are. They are our brothers, sisters, and relatives. We must make sure they don’t take bribes or rig elections.”
‘2027 is a fight for our lives’
Yesufu warned that with no electoral reforms in place, the next general election could test Nigeria’s democracy. “Nothing has been done. Nigerians must realise 2027 is a fight for our lives,” she said.
She dismissed claims that the country’s troubles were spiritual. “People are dying from bad governance, corruption, and wrong policies,” she said. “It’s not village enemies, it’s bad leadership. We must vote for people with competence, character, and capacity, not looters or selfish ones.”
Turning to girl child advocacy, Yesufu further condemned how society and government ignore issues like rape, child labour, and exclusion. “Rape can be stopped if treated as serious crime,” she said. “But right now, offenders are excused and victims shamed. We must criminalise rape and give victims a voice.”
Earlier, Nora Okafor, President of Protect the Precious Foundation, said the summit Peter Obi 2027 election chancestagged Finding Your Voice aimed to equip girls to confront abuse and violence. Female students from schools across Abia State attended the event.
