Aisha Yesufu, a noted political activist and member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has stated that supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will take an active role in safeguarding their votes during the 2027 election. During an interview on Arise News, Yesufu articulated her belief that people would not rely solely on electoral institutions due to past experiences.
Yesufu announced plans to deploy representatives to every polling unit, ensuring the monitoring of election materials and the collation of results at all stages up to Abuja. She mentioned the necessity for voters and political factions to adopt a proactive stance in light of the lessons learned from the previous election.
“We are going to have people at every polling unit to protect the votes,” Yesufu stated, emphasizing rigorous oversight at every level of the results collation process. She expressed her distrust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the judiciary, advocating for citizens to not solely depend on these institutions for vote protection.
Yesufu underscored that the upcoming election would require heightened grassroots mobilization, with supporters focusing on polling units instead of merely participating in rallies and campaigns. In relation to recent events in Benue State, she defended Obi’s decision to avoid confrontation with those obstructing his movements, suggesting that he had other pressing commitments.
Confident in Obi’s chances, Yesufu indicated that Nigerians are increasingly aware of the impact of economic hardship and insecurity on their lives. She criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a “colossal failure” and claimed that current government metrics have not benefitted everyday citizens.
Yesufu emphasized that voter priorities are shifting towards competence and character, above religious affiliations, and expressed optimism about Obi’s performance in the Lagos area and other regions. Although she clarified that she does not seek an elective position, her focus remains on mobilizing supporters and ensuring their votes are well-protected, echoing the need for organizational efforts at the grassroots level.
