Social activist Aisha Yesufu has urged opposition leaders, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, to adopt practical campaign strategies that directly address the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a post shared on the social media platform X on Thursday, Yesufu argued that the worsening economic situation in the country has made many citizens more concerned about immediate survival than political rhetoric or campaign promises.
According to her, widespread poverty has significantly shaped the political environment, with many Nigerians prioritizing basic needs such as food and daily sustenance over policy debates.
Yesufu stated that citizens have been “deliberately impoverished,” noting that economic pressures have reduced the purchasing power of many households while the cost of food and other essential commodities continues to rise. As a result, she said, even small forms of material support can have a strong influence on voters.
She advised opposition parties to communicate their message in ways that resonate with the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians. In her view, political campaigns should reflect the realities people face rather than rely solely on policy arguments.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, the opposition must campaign to the people in the language the people will understand,” she said.
Using a metaphor to illustrate her point, Yesufu suggested that campaign messaging should combine immediate assistance with political branding.
“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,” she wrote.
She emphasized that hunger often limits people’s ability to engage with complex political discussions or long-term policy proposals. According to her, a person struggling to feed their family is more likely to focus on immediate relief than abstract political ideas.
“A hungry man or woman cannot reason. He or she just wants the rumbling in their tummy to stop,” she added.
Her comments come as political actors and parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with debates intensifying over how opposition groups can effectively connect with voters across the country.