Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has clarified that her decision to join partisan politics does not mean she is abandoning advocacy, insisting instead that she is taking her activism into the political space.
Yesufu made the statement on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, The Morning Brief, while speaking about her political involvement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The activist recently left the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and aligned with the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Explaining her decision, Yesufu said political participation is a responsibility shared by all citizens and stressed that she only chose to become openly partisan by joining a political party.
“I must say that we are all politicians. I really decided to be partisan by joining the political party,” she said.
She maintained that her activism remains intact despite her political move.
“First of all, for me is the fact that I’m not leaving advocacy. I’m taking advocacy into politics. And some people might say, well, that’s just words and all of that, but one of the things that I know for sure is that I’ve kept my words.”
Yesufu further noted that she has remained consistent in her public engagements and advocacy efforts over the years.
“I keep my words for over a decade. I’ve been in the public space.
“When I decided that I was going to start making demands and advocating, I have indeed kept my words through three administrations and have been consistent in the things that I do.”
She also argued that activists should not be unfairly criticized for seeking political office or participating in governance.
“But I think it’s quite unfair when we continuously pick out activists and advocates. Activists have been in government and they have done well,” Yesufu added.
