Human rights activist and co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections to vote for a change in leadership, claiming that supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would amount to allowing insecurity to continue in the country.
Yesufu made the remarks in a statement posted on her verified X handle on Sunday, where she expressed concern over the worsening security situation and called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to the activist, the 2027 elections will provide Nigerians with an opportunity to decide the country’s future through the ballot.
She argued that citizens who desire an end to the country’s security challenges must actively participate in the electoral process rather than remain indifferent.
“Any vote for APC is vote for these terrorists to continue what they are doing,” Yesufu wrote.
She also urged every Nigerian who is 18 years and above to register to vote and collect a Permanent Voter Card ahead of the next general election.
According to her, the change many Nigerians have been praying for can only be achieved through active participation in elections.
“The miracle people have been praying for is more achievable with their PVCs,” she added.
Yesufu’s comments come at a time when concerns over insecurity remain one of the biggest issues facing the country.
In recent months, several parts of Nigeria have witnessed renewed attacks by armed groups, with reports of killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes in different states.
Communities in parts of the North-West and North-Central have continued to suffer attacks linked to bandits and other criminal groups, while some areas in the North-East still face threats from insurgent activities. Kidnappings for ransom have also remained a major security concern in several parts of the country.
The growing wave of insecurity has continued to attract criticism from opposition politicians, civil society groups and other stakeholders, many of whom have called for stronger measures to protect lives and property.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to tackling insecurity through improved intelligence gathering, increased military operations and better coordination among security agencies.
The Federal Government has also maintained that security forces have recorded successes against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements in different parts of the country, although fresh attacks have continued to occur.
Yesufu has remained one of the government’s vocal critics on issues relating to governance, accountability and human rights.
She first gained national prominence as one of the leading figures of the BringBackOurGirls campaign, which was launched after the abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014. Since then, she has consistently spoken on issues including elections, insecurity, corruption and citizens’ participation in governance.
The activist also contested for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress before becoming more actively involved in civic advocacy.
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to announce the timetable for the polls, political discussions and alignments have already begun across the country.