Is a collection of powerful allies enough to secure a presidency? According to activist Aisha Yesufu, the answer is a resounding “no.”
In a recent appearance on Channels Television, Yesufu delivered a blunt forecast for the next general election: President Bola Tinubu has already lost his grip on 2027. Her argument isn’t based on policy papers, but on a fundamental shift in where true power lies.
The “Governor Trap”
Yesufu suggests that the administration is currently hyper-focused on courting state governors to create a unified front. However, she warns that this is a classic political mirage.
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History Repeating: She pointed back to the PDP’s era of dominance, noting that even when the party controlled over 20 states, it didn’t save them from defeat once the public’s mood soured.
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Optics vs. Reality: In her view, gathering governors is an attempt to project an “illusion of power” to mask a lack of genuine grassroots support.
Engagement: The Silent Killer
The most telling sign of trouble, Yesufu argues, is public indifference. She highlighted a stark contrast in how Nigerians are interacting with political parties:
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Digital Silence: She noted that the ruling party’s recent registration drives were met with a “shrug” from the public, with almost zero organic interest in their digital platforms.
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The “ADC” Spark: Conversely, she pointed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an example of where the energy is actually shifting, claiming that smaller platforms are capturing the “passion” that the heavyweights have lost.
The Bottom Line
For Yesufu, the math is simple: you can have the politicians, but if you don’t have the people, the seat is already lost. As the road to 2027 begins to take shape, the question remains whether “political machinery” can still outrun “public sentiment.”
