I’m Taking Advocacy Into Politics Ahead Of 2027, Says Yesufu

Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has defended her decision to venture into partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying her move is aimed at bringing advocacy and accountability into governance.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Monday, Yesufu said joining a political party does not mean abandoning the activism she has been known for over the years.

“I’m not leaving advocacy, I’m taking advocacy into politics,” she said.

According to her, every citizen is involved in politics in one form or another, adding that she only decided to become openly partisan by aligning with a political platform.

“We are all politicians. I only decided to be partisan by joining a political party,” she stated.

The outspoken activist, known for her role in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign and other civic movements, said she has remained consistent in her public advocacy for over a decade and intends to maintain the same principles in politics.

“One of the things that I know for sure is that I’ve kept my words. I keep my words. For over a decade, I’ve been in the public space making demands and advocating,” she said.

Yesufu argued that it was unfair to judge every activist entering politics based on the failures of some individuals who previously held public office.

She cited notable female activists such as Margaret Ekpo and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti as examples of advocates who remained committed to their ideals even after participating in government.

“These women never changed,” she said.

The activist also revealed that she already has legislative plans focused on residents of the Federal Capital Territory if given the opportunity to serve.

According to her, she is currently working on about seven proposed bills aimed at addressing infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and accountability in Abuja.

Among the proposed legislations she listed are the Abuja Infrastructure Bill, Abuja Resident Security Bill, Abuja Resident Empowerment Bill, FCT Accountability Bill, Indigenous Rights and Land Protection Bill, Free Maternal Care Bill and the Abuja Education Bill.

“These are some of the bills that I would love to propose if given the opportunity by the people of Abuja,” she added.

LEADERSHIP had reported last week that Yesufu announced her resignation from the African Democratic Congress and formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

In a statement posted on her X handle on Wednesday, Yesufu said her decision followed what she described as a deeper understanding of the future direction of the country and her alignment with the political ideology of Peter Obi.

She also declared her intention to contest the FCT senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, signalling her first direct participation in elective politics after years of activism and civic engagement.