Prominent civil rights activist Aisha Yesufu has formally entered partisan politics, declaring her membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a strong show of support for Peter Obi, whom she described as her leader and symbol of a new political struggle in Nigeria.
Yesufu made the declaration on Wednesday in Enugu during the official political event where Obi addressed supporters, marking a significant shift for the activist who has consistently maintained her independence from political parties.
Speaking forcefully, Yesufu said Nigeria’s leadership has failed to listen to the people, insisting that calls for unity ring hollow in the face of shared hardship across the country.
“Whenever the opportunity arises, I speak not only for Nigeria but also for Africa. Today, however, we have a deaf leadership that keeps saying it is all about unity,” she said. “Yes, it is about unity, but we are united in insecurity. We are united in unemployment. We are united by the many things that are not working.”
She argued that Nigerians already share a common experience of pain and deprivation, dismissing narratives that blame division for the country’s problems.
“The next time they tell you that we are not united, remind them that the problems are the same for all of us. We all feel it,” Yesufu said. “That is why we must put our hands together to ensure that Nigeria becomes an amazing and great country—one that we will all be proud of.”
Announcing her decision to align with the ADC, Yesufu said the moment demanded action rather than excuses or procedural delays.
“Today, Nigerians have decided to move into the African Democratic Congress,” she declared. “This is not a time for justifications. This is a time for Africans and Nigerians to act. Nigerians will lead the way, and this is the moment for all of us to come together and hold that congress—the African Democratic Congress.”
In a deeply personal moment, Yesufu revealed that despite years of political activism, she had never belonged to any political party—until now.
“Mr Peter Gregory Obi, I have never belonged to any political party. I have refused to be a card-carrying member of any party,” she said. “But as my leader, I give you my word that I will proudly become a card-carrying member.”
She recalled shared moments of national grief and protest, linking past struggles to the present political turning point.
“Over 11 years ago, under difficult circumstances, we cried together,” Yesufu said, recalling encounters during national tragedies. “We stood in the rain and cried because we shared the same pain. Even now, we are still sharing those tears. But there is no more time for tears.”
Declaring a new phase of resistance and engagement, Yesufu said the struggle must now move decisively into the political arena.
“We have cried too much,” she said. “From this moment on, we are in the trenches. We will fight for Nigeria. We will build a good nation.”
She expressed confidence that the ADC represents a platform for genuine change, envisioning a country where opportunity is no longer tied to privilege or connections.
“The ADC will lead us to a Nigeria where the child of nobody can become somebody—without knowing anybody,” Yesufu said.
