FCT, Abuja – Human rights activist and prominent Obidient Movement figure, Aisha Yesufu, has sparked fresh debate within the opposition coalition movement after boldly insisting that the people — not politicians — must determine who becomes the presidential flagbearer under the newly adopted African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform for 2027.
Taking to her verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, July 8, Yesufu made her stance unmistakably clear:
“The people must be the deciders of who becomes the coalition candidate and not the politicians!”
Her comment comes amidst growing uncertainty over how the ADC-led coalition, which now includes major political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai and others, will pick its presidential candidate.
Already, reports from ADC insiders suggest no fewer than seven prominent coalition leaders have privately indicated interest in the 2027 ticket — raising fears of internal rivalry and elite-driven selection. But Yesufu’s warning is direct: any attempt to sideline the public in favour of backdoor deals among power brokers would not only backfire but alienate the very Nigerians the coalition claims to represent.
Online reactions to her post were swift and mixed.
One user @Naija_PR questioned the practicality of her call, saying:
“But ‘the people’ did not form the coalition, a smaller group of people did. Won’t the decision be made among them?”
Another user, @AbiodunBorisade, responded more cynically:
“Laughable. You honestly think you sef have a say in this game with big boys sat down?”
Peter Obi Clears the Air
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi — who recently attended the unveiling of the coalition under the ADC — has reiterated that he remains a member of the LP.
Speaking during a Channels TV interview on Sunday, July 6, Obi explained that his presence in the coalition is not about switching parties but about uniting progressives across party lines to deliver better governance.
“The coalition just adopted a party for 2027. We are trying to work together for the sake of Nigeria. I remain a member of the Labour Party,” Obi said.
He added that the coalition’s goal is to provide a competent, character-driven alternative to the current administration, even if that means adopting a joint platform to achieve it.
More Than One Aspirant, More Than One Battle Ahead
With ADC’s interim chairman Ralph Nwosu confirming that multiple big-name politicians are eyeing the presidential ticket, tension is rising over how unity will be maintained in a coalition of former rivals and powerful egos.
For Aisha Yesufu and millions of Nigerians frustrated by years of broken promises, the message is simple: don’t substitute one political cartel for another.
“If this coalition truly wants to rescue Nigeria,” one Obidient supporter wrote, “they must let the people choose. Or else it’s just another recycled club in new agbada.”
The countdown to 2027 has begun. But the question remains — will the people truly be allowed to lead?
