By James Adamu
Political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has launched a public fundraising campaign for Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential bid, sidestepping a directive by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) national leader Seriake Dickson that all donations for the party’s campaign be domiciled in a single designated account auditable by INEC.
In a video message posted on X on Wednesday, Yesufu urged Nigerians to take financial ownership of Obi’s campaign, insisting the former Labour Party presidential candidate cannot shoulder the burden alone.
“Let the citizens fund this election,” she said, calling on supporters to contribute “one naira” at a time.
Crucially, Yesufu stated that the fundraising account she publicised is separate from the party’s account. “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,” she said. “Those who want to donate to the party, please wait for their account.”
That distinction places her initiative at odds with the financial architecture Dickson announced in June 2026. The NDC leader had declared that every donation to the party must go into its designated bank account so that INEC could audit the funds and prevent individuals from using party money for private purchases.
“No party official, including myself, can spend the party’s money,” Dickson said at the time.
Yesufu’s move also follows a turbulent period in her relationship with the NDC. Dickson had previously revealed that she was offered a House of Representatives ticket by himself and Obi but declined, reportedly saying she was “too big for it.”
More recently, Yesufu criticised Dickson publicly, accusing him of centring the party on his personal standing rather than building momentum for 2027, and of appearing “insecure and in competition with your Presidential Candidate.”
Against that backdrop, her decision to open a citizens’ fundraising channel outside the party’s designated account is being read by observers as a practical assertion of independence from Dickson’s financial control — even if Yesufu framed it as a matter of citizen ownership rather than defiance.
Yesufu pledged transparency, citing her 2023 record. “I was accountable, and I accounted for every dime. And in 2027, by the grace of God, I will also be accountable,” she said.
Discussion about this post