Human rights activist and political commentator Aisha Yesufu has reaffirmed her strong support for Peter Obi, describing him as Nigeria’s most credible leader ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
She spoke during an interview with Seun Okinbaloye, Channels Television’s political correspondent, on his personal podcast “Mic On.”
Her comments come amid growing debates within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its 2027 presidential ticket.
Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Debate
Peter Obi formally joined the opposition ADC in December as a presidential hopeful.
However, his defection has triggered intense conversations about his chances of clinching the party’s ticket.
Some party stakeholders believe former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains a strong contender. In contrast, many supporters of the Obidient movement insist “it must be Obi or nothing.”
Following Obi’s move, Yesufu registered as a card-carrying member of the ADC. Reports later emerged suggesting she would withdraw her support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential slot.
“Obi Has What Nigeria Needs”
Addressing the controversy, Yesufu said her position was clear.
She described Obi as the most formidable candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I am not mincing words,” she said. According to her, Obi possesses “the most competence, credibility, character, and trustworthiness” needed to lead Nigeria.
She added that many Nigerians trust Obi to guide the country through its current challenges.
Meanwhile, Yesufu argued that while the APC controls vast state resources, money alone cannot win elections.
“There is nobody that can outspend the APC,” she said. “But there is one person who can out-passion them, and that is Peter Obi.”
Passion Versus Power
Yesufu stressed that Obi inspires a level of commitment that goes beyond financial strength.
She said his candidacy motivates ordinary Nigerians to actively protect their votes.
According to her, Obi’s presence on the ballot would energise citizens to resist electoral malpractice.
She also drew a sharp contrast between competence and popularity in Nigerian politics.
Often, she noted, candidates are either competent but unpopular or popular but lacking capacity.
However, she argued that Obi uniquely combines both qualities.
“For the first time in a long time,” she said, “we have someone who is competent and also the one the people are yearning for.”
Vice-Presidential Question Lingers
When asked if she would support Obi as a running mate, Yesufu avoided a direct answer.
“That would be his choice,” she said, adding that her actions would become clear when the time comes.
Still, she dismissed claims that she controls the Obidient movement or directs its political choices.
“Nobody has command and control over Obidients,” she said. “Not even Peter Obi himself.”
Obidients Act on Conviction
Yesufu explained that the Obidient movement is driven by independent-minded Nigerians.
She said supporters are professionals and entrepreneurs who act out of conviction, not inducement.
According to her, no one pays them to mobilise or speak in support of Obi.
She traced the roots of the movement to the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.
By 2021, she noted, young Nigerians were already organising voter registration drives before Obi emerged as a presidential figure.
Ultimately, Yesufu said the support for Obi is organic and non-transferable.
As 2027 approaches, her remarks signal that the battle for Nigeria’s opposition politics is far from settled.
