Social activist Aisha Yesufu has urged opposition figures Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to adopt more practical campaign strategies ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general election, stressing that many Nigerians are currently focused on survival due to economic hardship.
In a post shared on X on Thursday, Yesufu while reacting to a viral video where a woman cursed critics after receiving President Bola Tinubu’s rice said the worsening economic situation in the country means political messages alone may not be enough to win the attention of struggling citizens.
Focus on People’s Daily Struggles
According to her, poverty has spread widely across the country, making many Nigerians more concerned about meeting basic needs than engaging in political discussions.
Yesufu argued that citizens have been pushed into hardship deliberately, noting that money has been taken from people while food prices continue to rise.
She explained that in such a situation, even small forms of assistance can carry significant meaning for voters.
Campaign in a Language People Understand
The activist advised opposition parties to communicate with Nigerians in ways that connect directly with their everyday realities.
She noted that hunger often makes it difficult for people to concentrate on political ideas or policy debates.
Yesufu wrote: “Citizens were deliberately impoverished, monies taken away from their pockets and food made expensive so that little tokens will matter to them.
“As we go into the 2027 election, the opposition must campaign to the people in the language the people will understand.
“For those who need bread, give them bread with your picture on it. For those who need policies, give them policy documents with your picture on it.
“A hungry man or woman cannot reason. He or she just wants the rumbling in their tummy to stop.”
Watch the video here…
Citizens were deliberately impoverished, monies taken away from their pockets and food made expensive so that little tokens will matter to them.
As we go into the 2027 election, the opposition must campaign to the people in the language the people will understand.
For those… https://t.co/ezIBKC5oY8
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) March 12, 2026
