(Activist Aisha Yesufu. Photo Credit: Gaurdian Nigerian News)
Activist Aisha Yesufu has opened up on why she turned down an offer to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
Speaking at a public lecture on citizens’ participation in governance at Veritas University in Abuja on Thursday, Yesufu said she rejected the ticket because approximately 20 people had already purchased nomination forms and were actively contesting for the same position.
“About 20 people had picked up forms for the ticket and I was not going to be part of irregularities.
I was not going to be part of that system even though it was going to benefit me,” she said.
She explained that accepting the offer would have unfairly disadvantaged other aspirants who had already invested money and effort in pursuing the position, describing the arrangement as not only unjust but cr!minal in her view.
“The reason I didn’t take it was because of the process.
There were about 20 competent people from whom money had been collected during the process who would be shortchanged,” she stated.
Yesufu added that she would rather accept defeat than benefit from an unfair political process, saying she had no interest in acquiring titles and honours through questionable means.
“I have no problem with losing. I would rather stand with ordinary people than pursue titles and honours through an unfair process. That is how I have always lived my life,” she said.
She also called on young Nigerians to deepen their involvement in politics, emphasising that genuine participation in governance must go beyond merely casting votes during elections.
