Rights activist and outspoken public figure, Aisha Yesufu, says Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, now has far better chances in 2027 than he did in the 2023 elections.
Yesufu made this bold remark in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, while speaking at the Girls’ Summit organised by the Protect The Precious Foundation, where she charged young girls to find their voice in a nation still battling systemic neglect.
According to her, the support Obi enjoys today wasn’t there when he first threw his hat into the 2023 race.
“When he started in 2023, they said only four people were tweeting for him. But even with massive rigging, he pulled over six million votes. He had no single councillor but won in many places. People didn’t believe in him back then, but now, the truth he stood for is clear,” she told journalists.
The 2023 elections may have come and gone, but the dust is far from settled. Peter Obi, who came third officially, is still believed by many supporters to have won, especially in urban centres and among young Nigerians.
Yesufu is not alone in believing that Obi’s movement has grown stronger. “His followership is increasing daily. All we want now is a credible election. Sadly, I don’t think those in charge have the will or capacity to give that,” she added.
When asked what she expects from the new INEC chairman-designate, Yesufu didn’t mince words.
“I have no expectations. I don’t even believe the President that appointed him is supposed to be there. The problem is not INEC as an institution – it’s the people in it. These are our brothers, sisters, and relatives. Until Nigerians reject rigging and bribery, nothing will change.”
She warned that with just two years to go, no meaningful electoral reform has been done.
“Nigerians need to understand – 2027 is a fight for our lives. If we don’t fix it, we’re done for.”
The activist also used the platform to speak passionately about the plight of the Nigerian girl child. She slammed both society and government for looking away from rape, child labour, and gender-based violence.
“Rape is not spiritual. It’s not village people. It’s crime! And it’s shameful how victims are blamed while offenders go free. We must treat it like the serious crime it is.”
She called for harsher punishment for sexual offenders and demanded better protection for girls, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Earlier at the event, Ms. Nora Okafor, President of the Protect The Precious Foundation, said the summit was designed to help girls build confidence and speak up against abuse.
“We want to create a safe space where girls can learn how to find their voice and fight for their rights,” Okafor said.
The event was attended by hundreds of female students from across Abia State.
