Aisha Yesufu, prominent Nigerian activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, has declared that election day is the most powerful moment for revolution in Nigeria — not through violence, but through mass civic participation and voting for the right candidates. Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, she emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) itself is not the root cause of Nigeria’s electoral challenges, but rather the individuals within the commission who undermine democratic processes. She stressed that credible elections are essential to prevent civil unrest and ensure that results reflect the true will of the people.
Yesufu pointed out glaring discrepancies between the 2023 presidential election results and those of the National Assembly polls, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. She argued that such inconsistencies erode public trust and highlight systemic failures that must be addressed before the next general elections. According to her, Nigerians cannot afford to rely on INEC’s voluntary cooperation or goodwill; instead, citizens must actively demand accountability from all stakeholders, including INEC staff, security agencies, and political actors.
She warned that if elections continue to be marred by irregularities, Nigerians will take to the streets en masse on election day — a day she described as “the best day for revolution.” In her words, “There is no better day for revolution than election day. I’ve always said that INEC is not the problem. The people in INEC are the problem.” She urged every Nigerian to instruct their relatives and contacts working within INEC, the police, or any related institution to uphold democratic values and act with integrity.
“Yes, we will stand and be on the streets. Nobody is going to work. Nobody is traveling. Everybody will be there,” she stated firmly. This collective action, she believes, can serve as a powerful deterrent against electoral malpractice and force institutions to comply with democratic norms. Yesufu made it clear that democracy cannot be left to the mercy of institutional goodwill alone — it must be protected by vigilant citizens who hold power accountable.
Her remarks come amid growing calls for electoral reform and greater transparency ahead of future elections. As Nigeria continues to grapple with governance challenges, civic engagement remains a critical tool for change. Yesufu’s message underscores the importance of voter mobilization, civic education, and sustained pressure on institutions to deliver free, fair, and credible elections. Her call to action signals a shift toward proactive citizen involvement in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.
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