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Activist and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has said her decision to contest political office ahead of the 2027 elections does not amount to abandoning activism or advocacy.
Yesufu made the clarification on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following her declaration of interest in the senatorial seat in the Federal Capital Territory.
She explained that her long years in activism exposed the limits of speaking from outside government, especially in a system where those in power often ignore public demands.
“Yes, activists make demands, while politicians are supposed to solve problems based on those demands. But unfortunately, in Nigeria, politics is often not seen as serving the greater good, but personal interests. I’m not leaving activism. I’m not leaving advocacy. I’m taking advocacy into politics,” she said.
According to her, the goal remains the same, better governance and accountability but the approach is shifting from agitation outside the system to participation within it.
She said activism had allowed her to consistently highlight Nigeria’s governance challenges, but without constitutional authority, solutions often remain at the discretion of those in office.
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“You find out that when you talk about the legislative arm of government, it is supposed to represent the people, hold the executive accountable and ensure that those nominated for public office are people who will truly work for Nigeria. Outside, yes, I do have a voice. But inside, I’ll be able to do a whole lot more,” she said.
Yesufu added that her decision to seek elective office was driven by the realisation that lasting change requires direct involvement in lawmaking and governance, not just public commentary.
“For me, I’m seeking constitutional authority to then be able to provide solutions to these problems,” she said.
She had earlier announced her intention to run for the Senate seat representing the FCT, stressing that her political ambition should not be misinterpreted as a departure from advocacy.
On concerns about political influence in Abuja, including the role of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Yesufu said voters in the capital remain independent and capable of making their own choices.
She maintained that her campaign would be rooted in lawful engagement and focused on governance issues such as education, infrastructure, security, empowerment and accountability.
Yesufu insisted that her entry into politics is an extension of her activism, not a replacement of it, adding that her core mission remains unchanged even as her platform evolves.
