Popular Nigerian activist and co convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has stirred fresh political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections after openly declaring that she is taking her activism and advocacy into active politics.
Yesufu made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where she explained that her decision to participate directly in politics does not mean she is abandoning activism or advocacy. According to her, years of speaking against injustice and demanding accountability have convinced her that merely criticizing leaders from outside the political system is no longer enough.
The outspoken activist stated that activism and politics ultimately pursue the same goal of serving society, although through different methods. She argued that while activists raise issues and make demands, politicians are expected to create solutions and implement policies capable of addressing those concerns. However, she lamented that politics in Nigeria has largely been reduced to personal gain rather than service to the people. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
According to Yesufu, her entry into politics represents an attempt to bridge the gap between advocacy and governance. She stressed that many activists spend years identifying problems and pushing for reforms without directly participating in the structures where key decisions are made. She insisted that meaningful change would require credible citizens to become actively involved in governance rather than remaining permanent observers on the sidelines.
Her comments come amid growing political realignments and coalition building ahead of the 2027 elections. Opposition parties and emerging political platforms have recently intensified efforts to recruit influential voices from civil society, activism, and youth movements as they position themselves against the ruling APC.
Although Yesufu did not officially announce a specific office she intends to contest, recent reports and political speculation suggest she may be considering a senatorial bid in the Federal Capital Territory under the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform. The activist has recently been linked to political movements involving opposition figures seeking to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
Aisha Yesufu has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognizable activist voices over the last decade. She gained international attention as one of the leading figures of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign following the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok by Boko Haram in 2014. She later became a prominent face of the End SARS protests against police brutality, with images of her confronting armed security personnel during demonstrations becoming symbolic across social media and international media platforms.
Over the years, she has consistently criticized government policies, corruption, insecurity, and poor governance while advocating for transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Her strong political opinions and fearless public interventions have earned her both admiration and criticism from different political groups across the country.
Political analysts believe Yesufu’s latest comments reflect a broader trend where activists and civil society actors are becoming increasingly interested in direct political participation rather than limiting themselves to advocacy roles. Observers say this shift is partly driven by frustration over the slow pace of reforms and growing dissatisfaction with traditional political leadership in Nigeria.
Her statement has already generated widespread reactions online, with supporters praising her courage and consistency while critics questioned whether activism can easily translate into electoral success within Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment.
Nonetheless, many observers believe her involvement could energize younger voters and strengthen conversations around citizen driven politics, especially among Nigerians who have become increasingly vocal about governance, accountability, and leadership reforms.
As political activities continue to intensify ahead of 2027, Yesufu’s declaration has further added to the growing list of influential public figures positioning themselves for a potentially historic and highly competitive election season in Nigeria.
