Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has urged Nigerians to contribute financially towards funding the 2027 presidential campaign of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra State governor cannot bear the financial responsibility alone.
Yesufu made the appeal in a video shared on her X account on Wednesday, November 4, calling on Nigerians who support Obi’s presidential ambition to make voluntary contributions, regardless of how little they can afford.
“My fellow citizens, Peter Obi cannot do this alone. There is no way we can say that we want to rescue a nation, we want to get back our nation, we want the people to own this nation, and then we say that we are going to leave everything to Mr Peter Obi to fund,” she said.
She urged supporters to embrace a citizen-funded campaign, arguing that Nigerians who want to take ownership of the country’s future should also be willing to contribute towards the process.
“So please, every one of us, we need you to put in something. Let the citizens fund this election,” she added.
Recalling the 2023 presidential election, Yesufu disclosed that Obi had initially been reluctant to accept funds raised publicly for his campaign. However, she said she persuaded him to allow Nigerians to contribute, explaining that financial involvement would make supporters more emotionally invested in the campaign.
According to her, the previous fundraising exercise attracted criticism, but the accounts were made public and the contributions were properly accounted for.
Yesufu maintained that the arrangement in which Obi largely financed campaign activities himself was no longer sustainable, urging supporters to share the financial responsibility.
“It can no longer work. Every one of us have to put in our own widow’s mite,” she said.
The activist also clarified that the fundraising initiative was separate from the NDC’s official fundraising arrangements, explaining that the political party would release its own account details for members and supporters interested in making direct donations.
“This is not the party. This is what we, as citizens, are going to use to fund the things that we can do for Mr Peter Obi. The party are going to put out their own accounts,” she explained.
She advised Nigerians who intend to donate directly to the party to wait for its official account details, stressing that the ongoing initiative was specifically meant to support activities relating to Obi’s presidential campaign.
Addressing concerns about the management of public donations, Yesufu promised transparency and accountability, assuring contributors that every amount received would be properly accounted for.
“In 2023, I was accountable, and I accounted for every dime. And in 2027, by the grace of God, I will also be accountable. And I will account for every dime,” she pledged.
Yesufu urged Nigerians to support the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for citizens to take an active role in financing Obi’s 2027 presidential campaign rather than leaving the responsibility to the candidate alone.
