As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections well known activist Aisha Yesufu has stirred conversations across the country with a bold statement to citizens that INEC is not the problem Nigerians are She explained that while many people continue to blame the Independent National Electoral Commission for the irregularities and challenges during elections the real issue lies within the citizens themselves She believes that the attitudes complacency and lack of accountability among Nigerians are major factors preventing the nation from achieving true political change Her comments have sparked debates on social media and civic platforms encouraging people to reflect on their role in strengthening democracy and promoting good governance .
Aisha Yesufu’s Message to Nigerians
Aisha Yesufu who co founded the Bring Back Our Girls movement has always been a strong voice for justice and accountability Recently she used her social media platforms to share her thoughts on the upcoming 2027 elections urging Nigerians to take a deep look at themselves instead of always blaming institutions She said that many citizens direct their anger toward INEC political parties and politicians while forgetting that real reform starts with active participation from the people According to her democracy cannot flourish in a country where people sell their votes ignore elections or defend corrupt leaders simply because of ethnic or religious ties She said that INEC is not the main issue but rather the people who refuse to vote those who sell their votes for little money and those who justify corruption Her words reflect a long standing truth in Nigerian politics that there is a wide gap between complaining about problems and taking responsibility to fix them .
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A Call for Active Citizenship
Yesufu’s message is not just criticism but also a call for action She challenged Nigerians to stop being passive spectators and become active participants in the democratic process She explained that credible elections do not depend only on INEC’s performance but also on the vigilance and honesty of voters She urged citizens to demand transparency at every stage of the process from registration to result collation She warned that change cannot happen if people continue doing the same things while expecting different results and advised citizens to get involved organize and hold those in power accountable .
Public Reaction and Debate
Her statement drew widespread reactions across the country Many Nigerians praised her courage for speaking the truth and pointing out what many people avoid discussing Some agreed that her comments highlight the real problem which is voter apathy and lack of civic responsibility Others however argued that INEC still deserves criticism for issues like poor logistics and lack of transparency Supporters of Yesufu’s view pointed out that in the 2023 elections only around 29 percent of registered voters took part which is one of the lowest participation rates in Nigerian history Critics countered that while citizens share blame the system itself has made participation difficult due to insecurity and poor trust in institutions Despite the mixed opinions her message successfully reopened discussions on shared responsibility between the government and the people .
Lessons from Past Elections
Looking at past elections it is clear that both institutions and citizens have important roles to play INEC has tried to improve the process through technology like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS and electronic result transmission but these efforts can only be effective if citizens use them responsibly Aisha Yesufu reminded Nigerians that democracy is not an event but a continuous process that depends on informed and active participation She encouraged people to focus on civic education grassroots organization and accountability so that everyone plays a part in shaping Nigeria’s political future .
What Nigerians Can Do Ahead of 2027
As the 2027 elections approach Nigerians are being urged to prepare early by taking practical steps toward participation Citizens should register and verify their voter information ensure their voter cards are up to date and encourage others to do the same People should also engage in civic education hold leaders accountable reject vote buying and volunteer in groups that promote transparent elections and inclusive governance By doing so Nigerians can help redefine the electoral process and create a stronger democracy .
Conclusion
Aisha Yesufu’s statement serves as a timely reminder that change will not come from blaming others but from collective action She believes that democracy can only grow when citizens stop waiting for miracles and start taking responsibility for their nation’s progress Her message is a call for courage and unity reminding Nigerians that they hold the real power to shape their future As the 2027 elections draw closer the big question remains whether Nigerians will rise to the occasion or continue to repeat the same mistakes .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .