Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has clarified that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi is not her godfather but her principal. She made this statement while explaining her political alignment and future plans.
No Membership in Labour Party
Yesufu stated that she was never a member of the Labour Party. She emphasised that she supported Obi during the presidential election due to what she described as his empathy, patriotism, and commitment to Nigeria. She reiterated that her support did not translate into party membership.
“First of all, I was never in the Labour Party, and I think I’ve said this repeatedly. I don’t know whether I need to put it on my phone. I was a supporter of Mr Peter Obi,” Yesufu said. She added, “I was a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and from there I moved down to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).”
Why She Supports Peter Obi
According to Yesufu, she remains committed to Obi because she believes he possesses the qualities Nigeria needs in a leader. “I gave my words to Peter Obi, and I see him right now as that person who has empathy, who is patriotic, and who cares enough about Nigeria for it to work for Nigerians,” she explained. “I want someone who gets into office, and I don’t need to keep making demands, you understand.”
Taking Activism into Politics
Yesufu disclosed her intention to transition her advocacy and activism into formal politics. She plans to contest for the Senate to represent the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). If elected, her primary focus would be holding the executive accountable.
“I’m taking advocacy and activism into politics because, for me, as a lawmaker, if I get voted in, by the grace of God, my number one business is holding the executive accountable,” she said. She added that she would not support frivolous loan requests from the executive, even if Peter Obi were to become President. “You can’t come as a president, Mr Peter Obi, being the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, cannot just come to the Senate with frivolous application for loans, and I, Aisha Yesufu, is representing FCT.”
Her remarks underline a firm stance on legislative oversight and accountability, regardless of party affiliation or personal loyalty.
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