Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has explained why she rejected a House of Representatives ticket offered to her by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yesufu said her decision was based on principle, explaining that she was unwilling to accept political conditions that could force her to compromise her values or integrity.
Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV, she said several political offers came with specific conditions, but she was not prepared to accept arrangements that conflicted with her principles.
According to her, political power should not be pursued at all costs, stressing that she does not need to become president or hold political office by force.
“I did not accept the House of Representatives ticket that was given to me because there were other people who were doing it on the issue of principle. There were many issues where many people brought ‘I will make you this but you have to do A, B, C, D.’ It’s pretty obvious,” Yesufu said.
She added that she would not make promises she could not keep or compromise her position in pursuit of political office.
“We are not going to sell Nigeria. I don’t have to be president by force. We won’t make any promises that we will not fulfill,” she said.
Her comments followed an earlier disclosure by NDC national leader Seriake Dickson that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had offered Yesufu a House of Representatives ticket, which she ultimately declined.
Yesufu has remained a prominent voice on political and social issues in Nigeria, with her latest comments highlighting her position that political participation should not require compromising personal principles.
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