Human rights activist and co-convener of the #EndSARS movement, Aisha Yesufu, has stirred political discourse nationwide after insisting that only the people should determine who becomes the presidential candidate of the emerging coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Her statement comes amid growing speculation and internal deliberations within the coalition on who should fly the party’s flag ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Yesufu wrote:
“The people must be the decider of who becomes the coalition candidate and not the politicians.”
The post has since triggered widespread reactions from Nigerians, especially supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who remains a popular figure in discussions around a united opposition.
One user, Chuks, asserted:
“Peter Obi or nothing. They better reach this agreement now. If not, men mount ooo.”
Kawu Garba echoed the sentiment, warning against political hijacking:
“You are absolutely right. It is either Peter Obi or nothing. You should not let the group of old corrupt elements use your movement and dump you.”
Another user, Anthony Abakporo, added a veiled warning directed at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar:
“I doubt Atiku will make such mistake that ruined PDP. He should better influence that Peter Obi be chosen as consensus candidate otherwise ‘delegates’ will ruin the coalition.”
The debate highlights the tension between grassroots expectations and political negotiations as opposition forces attempt to unite for the next presidential race. Yesufu’s statement has been praised as a call to keep the process democratic and people-driven, rather than dominated by elite bargaining.
As the ADC and its allies move closer to finalizing a consensus candidate, observers say the direction taken could determine the strength — or weakness — of the coalition in 2027.