Aisha Yesufu's Bold 2027 Claim: Obi Supporters Distrust INEC

Political activist Aisha Yesufu, a prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has outlined a robust strategy for supporters of presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Yesufu emphatically stated that Obi's supporters would not solely depend on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to safeguard their votes, a stance informed by lessons learned from the 2023 general election.

During an interview with Arise News, Yesufu detailed plans to deploy representatives to every polling unit nationwide. These representatives will be tasked with diligently monitoring election materials and results throughout the entire collation process, from the initial polling units all the way to the final collation centre in Abuja. She stressed that "no result sheet will leave our sight," and that supporters would follow the results through ward, local government, and state levels until the final declaration in the capital. This meticulous monitoring, according to Yesufu, aims to ensure that the officially declared results accurately reflect the votes cast by Nigerian citizens.

Yesufu expressed a profound lack of trust in governmental institutions, specifically stating she had "zero trust" in INEC, security agencies, and the judiciary. She argued that citizens cannot afford to delegate the crucial responsibility of protecting their votes entirely to these bodies. The activist underscored the necessity for stronger grassroots mobilisation in the 2027 election, advocating for supporters to concentrate their efforts on polling units and the protection of election results, rather than exclusively relying on traditional political rallies and campaigns.

Addressing a recent incident in Benue State where Peter Obi's movement was reportedly obstructed, Yesufu defended Obi's decision not to engage with those who allegedly blocked his convoy. She maintained that Obi had other scheduled engagements and should not permit what she termed "miscreants" to dictate his movements. Yesufu also conveyed strong confidence in Obi's potential to win the 2027 presidential election, citing growing public concern over economic hardship and insecurity across Nigeria.

She sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu's administration, labeling it a "colossal failure." Yesufu contended that any claims of improved macroeconomic indicators had failed to translate into better living conditions for ordinary Nigerians, who are currently grappling with escalating costs, pervasive insecurity, and diminished purchasing power. She emphasized that the true measure of economic policies should be their tangible impact on citizens.

Yesufu asserted that Obi holds a significant advantage because, in her view, voters are increasingly prioritising competence, character, and capacity over religious considerations. She expressed optimism that Obi would not only retain Lagos State in 2027 but also achieve substantial gains in other regions of the country. Yesufu, who confirmed she is not seeking any elective position herself, affirmed her singular focus on mobilising supporters for the 2027 presidential election and ensuring the integrity of their votes. The experience of the 2023 election, she concluded, unequivocally demonstrated the critical need for robust grassroots organisation to ensure voters' choices ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.