Human rights activist and co-convener of the defunct BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has defended her decision to align with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, sparking heated debate on social media.
Yesufu’s response came after critics questioned her choice to work with El-Rufai, a figure she previously opposed. Addressing the controversy on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Yesufu argued that building a better Nigeria requires strategic alliances, not personal feelings.
She described El-Rufai as possessing what she called “nuisance value”, a quality she believes can be leveraged in the political movement to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 elections.
“Nasir El-Rufai has a nuisance value: his anger and vindictiveness, and you think I will not use that?” she posted. “You think nation-building is a romantic affair? I’m okay with looking bad while you look good.”
Yesufu’s statement has stirred conversations online, with many Nigerians divided over the growing coalition of former rivals uniting for a common political goal. While some see it as a pragmatic move in a turbulent political landscape, others accuse her of abandoning core principles.
As the 2027 elections approach, alliances like this are expected to shape the direction of Nigeria’s political contest. For Yesufu, the goal appears clear: remove what she perceives as poor leadership, no matter the optics.
