By Ade Oyeyemi
Activist Aisha Yesufu has appealed to Nigerians to contribute financially towards the 2027 presidential campaign of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the responsibility of funding his political ambition should not be left to him alone.
Yesufu made the appeal in a video shared on her X account on Wednesday, urging supporters and other Nigerians who desire political change to make voluntary contributions, regardless of the amount.
She argued that citizens seeking to reclaim ownership of the country must also be willing to support the process financially rather than depend entirely on Obi to bear the cost of the campaign.
“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.
The activist recalled the 2023 presidential election, disclosing that Obi was initially reluctant to embrace public fundraising for his campaign.
According to her, she had persuaded him to allow citizens to contribute, arguing that financial participation would give supporters a greater sense of involvement and commitment to the political process.
She maintained that the previous fundraising exercise was properly accounted for despite criticisms from some quarters, adding that financial records were made available to address concerns raised about the donations.
Yesufu said the previous arrangement, in which Obi largely shouldered the financial responsibility for campaign activities, was no longer sustainable.
“It can no longer work. Every one of us have to put in our own widow’s mite,” she stated.
She also clarified that the fundraising initiative was a separate arrangement from the political party’s official fundraising activities, explaining that the party would provide its own account details for individuals interested in supporting it directly.
“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.
The activist assured prospective donors that the contributions would be managed transparently, pledging to provide a proper account of all funds received.
She said she had demonstrated accountability during the 2023 fundraising exercise and would maintain the same standard ahead of the 2027 election.
“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,” Yesufu added.
She urged Nigerians who support Obi’s political ambition to participate in the fundraising initiative, describing it as a citizens-driven effort to support his anticipated 2027 presidential campaign.
