Renowned activist Aisha Yesufu, a staunch supporter of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has made a notable declaration: she now identifies as a politician.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Yesufu announced a significant shift in her stance, marking a departure from her previous assertions.
In her tweet, she boldly proclaimed, “I am a politician. All my life I have made choices. I am into Nigerian Politics and on my watch and in places I operate from, I will ensure it is clean.”
This statement contrasts sharply with her previous claims of not being a politician, despite her active support for presidential candidates in previous elections.
A prominent figure in Nigerian activism, Yesufu co-founded the Bring Back Our Girls campaign and played a key role in the End SARS protests. Her activism and unwavering advocacy for good governance have earned her widespread respect in Nigerian politics.
While she had previously maintained a non-political stance and supported candidates solely from an activist perspective, Yesufu’s involvement in the 2023 general election, particularly her endorsement of Obi, garnered significant attention. She utilized her platform to encourage political engagement and the election of leaders committed to reform.
However, her declaration as a politician suggests a strategic shift in her approach to achieving political and social change in Nigeria.
In her tweet, she emphasized the importance of direct political engagement to ensure transparency and integrity within Nigeria’s political landscape.
She asserted, “Any talk of being ashamed of politics or regretting politics, count me out,” adding, “If you say Nigerian politics is dirty, roll up the sleeves let’s get it clean. Doing nothing never solves anything.
