Prominent Nigerian activist, Aisha Yesufu, has said that defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election will be easier than it was during the 2023 polls.
Yesufu made the statement in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where she shared her views on the current state of the country and the performance of the Tinubu-led administration.
“God willing, defeating Tinubu in 2027 will be far easier than it was defeating him in 2023,” she wrote.
Her comment has sparked reactions across social media and political circles, coming at a time when many Nigerians are expressing concern over the economy, cost of living, and governance under the current administration.
Aisha Yesufu is widely known in Nigeria as a strong voice for citizens’ rights and good governance. She rose to national prominence during the Bring Back Our Girls movement, which called for the rescue of schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.
Over the years, she has remained active in public debates, often speaking out on issues such as insecurity, corruption, elections, and accountability in government.
During the 2023 general elections, Yesufu was one of the most visible supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. She openly criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and campaigned for political change.
Her strong online presence and street-level activism made her a key figure in mobilising young voters, especially in urban areas.
President Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election after a tightly contested race against major opposition candidates. The election was marked by high public interest, legal battles, and debates over the credibility of the electoral process.
While Tinubu was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the outcome was challenged in court by opposition parties. However, the courts upheld his victory.
Many of Tinubu’s supporters viewed the win as a continuation of APC rule and a reward for his long political career, including his time as governor of Lagos State.
On the other hand, critics argued that the election exposed deep problems in Nigeria’s democracy, including voter suppression, logistical failures, and loss of public trust.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced major economic reforms aimed at fixing long-standing problems. These include the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
While the government says these policies are necessary to stabilise the economy, many Nigerians say they have made life harder.
The removal of fuel subsidy led to sharp increases in petrol prices, transport fares, and food costs. Inflation has continued to rise, and many households are struggling to cope with higher living expenses.
These economic challenges have led to protests and growing criticism from civil society groups, labour unions, and ordinary citizens.
It is against this background that Yesufu’s statement is being viewed by many as a reflection of rising public anger and frustration.
Although the next presidential election is still two years away, discussions about 2027 have already begun in political circles.
Opposition parties are believed to be watching public reaction to the Tinubu administration closely, as they consider possible alliances and candidates.
Yesufu’s statement suggests confidence that public dissatisfaction may translate into votes against the president if current conditions do not improve.
Reactions to Yesufu’s post have been mixed. Supporters agree with her view, saying the current hardship has weakened the president’s popularity.
Some Nigerians online echoed her message, claiming that the 2023 election showed a strong desire for change, especially among young voters.
Others, however, criticised her comment, describing it as premature and politically biased. Some Tinubu supporters argue that reforms take time and that the benefits of current policies will become clearer before 2027.
They also point out that the APC remains a strong political force with wide national spread and experienced political machinery.
Beyond partisan politics, Yesufu has consistently called on Nigerians to stay engaged in the democratic process.
She often urges citizens to demand accountability from leaders, participate in elections, and speak out against injustice.