- Aisha Yesufu alleged that INEC officials were bribed and threatened over ADC leadership changes
- She criticised the judiciary, claiming it had been compromised by political influence
- Yesufu warned that weakening institutions threatened Nigeria’s democracy
Political activist Aisha Yesufu has alleged that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were bribed to remove the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raising fresh concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Speaking on Monday during a live interview on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise Television, Yesufu claimed that there were reports suggesting that some INEC officials received inducements to influence the decision.
“There are reports that INEC officials were allegedly bribed with monies up to $50,000, and lands were given. Where is the EFCC and ICPC in all of this?” she said.
Yesufu, who is a co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls Movement, also alleged that the INEC Chairman may have been subjected to threats, further questioning the independence of the electoral body.
Her comments followed recent developments in which INEC removed former Senate President David Mark as the national chairman of the ADC, a move that has sparked debate across political circles.
The activist criticised the judiciary, accusing it of failing to uphold its role as an impartial arbiter. “The judiciary has turned itself into the plate of corrupt politicians. And that’s not what it should be,” she stated, adding that reports of undue influence and questionable engagements involving judicial officers were troubling.
According to Yesufu, the erosion of institutional independence poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy. She argued that without accountability and transparency, governance systems risk being manipulated for political advantage.
“My thinking is that one institution should be independent. If there is independence, if there’s accountability and transparency, we won’t have all of these shenanigans going on,” she said.
She further urged that disputes should be resolved through the courts but warned against what she described as the use of state institutions as “tools of oppression” against opposition parties.
Emphasising the importance of democratic values, Yesufu noted that many Nigerians had sacrificed for the country’s democracy and warned against actions that could undermine it.
“This democracy… many people died for it, and we cannot have a few people come and destroy it just because they want to hold on to power,” she said.
Yesufu warns Obi: I’ll oppose you if you exceed one term
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that Political activist Aisha Yesufu has declared that she would strongly oppose former presidential candidate Peter Obi if he becomes president and chooses to serve more than one term in office.
Yesufu made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, where she stressed the importance of political integrity and keeping campaign promises.