Nigerian social activist Aisha Yesufu said on Friday that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has “better chances in 2027” than he did in the 2023 election.
Yesufu made the remarks in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, while speaking at the Girls’ Summit organised by the Protect The Precious Foundation.
“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,” she said, adding that Obi’s followership has grown since the last election.
She called on Nigerians to ensure their votes are counted during elections. “When you vote, make sure your vote is counted and entered for your candidate. Otherwise, all you did was paper painting,” Yesufu said.
On the upcoming task of the INEC Chairman-designate, Yesufu said she had no expectations. “I don’t have any task for him… 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,” she added.
Yesufu also criticised the lack of electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, describing them as a “fight for our lives.” She dismissed claims that Nigeria’s challenges are spiritual, attributing the country’s problems to poor governance, corruption, and wrong policies.
The activist further highlighted the plight of the girl child in Nigeria, decrying widespread abuses including rape, child labour, and political exclusion. “Rape can be stopped if it is treated as a serious crime… We must criminalise rape, punish offenders, and give victims a voice,” she said.
The summit, themed “Finding Your Voice,” was attended by female students from secondary schools across Abia State. Nora Okafor, president of the Protect The Precious Foundation, said the event aimed to sensitise girls on overcoming abuse and other forms of violence.
