In a moment that has sparked widespread criticism and highlighted the fragility of political alliances, activist Aisha Yesufu was captured on video directing protesters to take down a banner displaying Peter Obi’s image during a live interview at a demonstration outside the National Assembly. The event, which unfolded on Monday amid calls for mandatory electronic transmission of election results, underscores a dramatic shift in Yesufu’s stance toward the former Labour Party presidential candidate she once championed.
From “Our Messiah” to “Remove That Banner”: Aisha Yesufu Disowns Obi on Live Camera
Yesufu, who was a prominent frontline supporter of Obi during the 2023 general election, appeared to distance herself from him in real time. According to a post by Prime Reporters News, “a video surfaced showing Aisha Yesufu asking protesters to remove a banner featuring Peter Obi while she was granting an interview to journalists.” The footage, which quickly went viral on X, shows Yesufu gesturing emphatically toward the banner behind her, signaling for its removal before continuing her remarks to the media.
This incident comes against a backdrop of growing tensions between Yesufu and Obi, with the activist recently publicly disagreeing with him on several issues, including his criticism of past protests during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Obi, who led the protest alongside Yesufu and others like former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, advocated for electoral reforms to ensure transparency. However, Yesufu’s actions suggest a deliberate effort to separate the demonstration from Obi’s personal brand, raising questions about the authenticity of her prior endorsements.
Obi Was Good for Campaigns, Not Cameras — Aisha Yesufu Exposed
Critics argue that Yesufu’s move exposes the opportunistic nature of Obi’s support base, where figures like her leveraged his popularity during the 2023 campaign but now seem eager to sideline him when it suits their narrative. One X user remarked, “Why did Aisha Yesufu ask her supporters to remove Peter Obi’s banner before granting an interview to journalists? N20K has expired?” This sentiment echoes broader accusations that Obi’s “Obidient” movement has fractured, with former allies turning away amid his perceived failures to maintain momentum post-election.
The protest itself drew participants from civil society groups, student organizations, and the Obidient Movement, focusing on amending Nigeria’s Electoral Act to mandate real-time result transmission. Obi addressed the crowd, stating, “Allow the elections to go through the normal process. Whoever wins, we would accept.” Yet, Yesufu’s intervention during her interview has overshadowed these demands, fueling speculation about internal rifts and selective activism within opposition circles.
As reactions pour in, this episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly political loyalties can erode, particularly when figures like Obi, once hailed as a savior, face scrutiny over their relevance in ongoing struggles for reform.