Bolatito Mercy
A member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has expressed confidence that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will have an easier task in the 2027 election compared to his 2023 presidential contest.
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, where he secured 6.1 million votes to finish third behind Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar, who polled 6.9 million votes, and President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged winner with 8.7 million votes.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Yesufu said the groundwork carried out by Obi’s supporters, popularly known as the Obidients, during the 2023 election would give him an advantage ahead of the 2027 contest.
She said the 2023 election involved building awareness and convincing Nigerians that political change was possible, adding that Obi’s message had now gained wider recognition across the country.
Yesufu also pointed to the reported alliance between Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, saying the relationship between the Obidient movement and the Kwankwasiyya group could further strengthen Obi’s political chances.
She added that the economic challenges facing Nigerians could influence voters’ decisions in the 2027 election, noting that many citizens are now more concerned about issues affecting their daily lives.
Yesufu Defends Obi Over Benue Convoy Incident
Reacting to the incident where Obi’s convoy was stopped by youths in Benue State while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit communities affected by violence, Yesufu said the decision to discontinue the journey was a strategic one and not a result of fear.
She described Obi as one of the most courageous politicians in Nigeria, citing his visits to areas affected by insecurity.
Yesufu said leaders must sometimes make strategic decisions in difficult situations, adding that the decision to halt the journey did not diminish Obi’s courage or commitment to visiting affected communities.
