By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Prominent activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has declared that her decision to join active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections does not amount to abandoning advocacy, but rather extending it into the political arena.
Yesufu made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television, where she spoke about her growing political involvement and plans ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“I’m not leaving advocacy, I’m taking advocacy into politics,” she said while addressing questions about her increasing participation in political discussions and national affairs.
The statement has already triggered reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among young voters and supporters of the Obidient movement, many of whom have long regarded Yesufu as one of the country’s most outspoken voices against bad governance, corruption, and electoral malpractice.
For years, the activist has remained a visible figure in civic engagement campaigns, consistently criticising successive administrations and demanding accountability from public officials. Her activism gained national and international attention during the Bring Back Our Girls campaign following the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok.
Her influence expanded further during the #EndSARS protests demonstrations and throughout the 2023 presidential election season, where she emerged as one of the prominent supporters of Peter Obi and the Obidient movement.
Yesufu’s latest declaration appears to signal a transition from pressure-group activism to direct participation in governance, a move political analysts say reflects growing frustration among civil society actors over the slow pace of reforms and deepening public dissatisfaction in the country.
Observers believe her entry into partisan politics could reshape conversations around youth participation, gender inclusion, and issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027.
Although she has yet to formally announce a political party or specify any office she intends to contest, her comments are expected to intensify speculations over possible alignments within opposition coalitions preparing for the next election cycle.
Supporters argue that her years in activism have positioned her as a credible voice on governance and accountability. Critics, however, insist that activism and practical politics often demand different strategies and compromises.
The development comes at a time when several civic actors, professionals, and technocrats are increasingly considering direct political participation amid worsening economic hardship, insecurity concerns, and growing public frustration with Nigeria’s political leadership.
With discussions around the 2027 elections gradually gaining momentum nationwide, Yesufu’s remarks may further energise debates over whether activists can successfully transition from protest movements into electoral power structures.
