Aisha Yesufu defends alliance with El-Rufai, says nation-building ‘not a romantic affair’

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Activist says El-Rufai’s ‘nuisance value’ key in bid to unseat Tinubu
-Insists public criticism won’t stop 2027 coalition plans

Activist and co-convener of the defunct Bring Back Our Girls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has justified her alliance with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, despite their history of political hostility.

Yesufu, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), responded to widespread social media backlash over her decision to work alongside El-Rufai in a coalition aiming to oust President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Describing nation-building as far from sentimental, Yesufu said the partnership was strategic and rooted in purpose, not personal feelings. She argued that El-Rufai’s aggressive political energy, which she referred to as “nuisance value,” could be deployed to strengthen their push for a political reset.

“Nasir El-Rufai has a nuisance value: his anger and vindictiveness, and you think I will not use that?” she wrote. “Let me laugh in 3D!!!!!!”

“You think nation-building is a romantic affair? I am okay with looking bad while you look good,” she added, addressing critics who questioned her political consistency.

The outspoken activist has long been known for her unrelenting criticism of political officeholders, including El-Rufai himself, but her latest move signals a willingness to embrace unconventional alliances to achieve broader national goals.

Her remarks come as opposition forces and civic voices begin to strategize for 2027, seeking new alignments to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu’s re-election prospects.

Political observers say the alliance, though controversial, reflects the shifting terrain of Nigerian politics where former foes now find common cause in a shared mission: to reimagine leadership in Nigeria.