Governors don’t win elections, citizens do- Aisha Yesufu, ADC chieftain

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and prominent social critic, Aisha Yesufu, has dismissed claims of major flaws in the system, describing the irregular registrations as human-related issues that have since been addressed. She also alleged that growing enthusiasm among Nigerians to join the ADC has unsettled the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Yesufu talked about the amended Electoral Act, Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 elections, and the role of citizens in safeguarding the electoral process. David Lawani monitored the conversation.

There were reports that your party’s e-registration portal had glitches. Has the issue been resolved?

Our portal has always been functional. What people saw were attempts by individuals to test the system by entering names such as Donald Trump or Adolf Hitler. Those kinds of entries can happen on open digital platforms and were anticipated. What is important is that we have mechanisms to check and clean the database, and we have been doing that. More significantly, the level of interest the platform has generated among Nigerians is remarkable. Unlike some parties that reportedly pay people to register or mine names from existing databases, what we are seeing is genuine enthusiasm from citizens across the country. We launched the portal on a Sunday, and the response from both young and old Nigerians has been overwhelming. Many see the ADC as the platform they want to identify with as the country moves toward the 2027 elections.

Some people have raised concerns about the introduction of the National Identity Number (NIN) requirement. Why was it included?

The NIN allows for stronger verification because it already contains biometric information, including photographs. When you register, the system can verify your identity through that data. Ordinarily, registering for a political party does not require a NIN. We initially considered using the voter identification number (VIN), which already contains voting-related details. But with new requirements introduced under the amended Electoral Act, the NIN became compulsory. That said, the system allows flexibility. If you are not satisfied with the photograph attached to your NIN record, you can update it before completing your registration.

Critics argue the portal was not fully secure until the backlash began. Was it launched prematurely?

Not at all. The platform was not rushed. There are multiple security layers at the backend. Every entry is reviewed and verified daily. It is also important to understand that not everyone who claims to have registered online automatically becomes a verified member. The data is screened and cross-checked before confirmation. The response shows the level of attention the ADC has attracted. Even parties that claim to control dozens of governors have launched digital registration platforms without generating this level of public engagement.

Some observers find it ironic that ADC criticises the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for technological failures while facing its own online challenges. How do you respond?

Technology is never completely fool proof. Glitches can occur anywhere. The difference lies in how organisations respond to them. If issues arise on our platform, we address them and improve the system. Technology evolves constantly, and any serious organisation must continue refining its tools. But let us also ask: has INEC fully accounted for the technological challenges experienced during the 2023 elections? Have we seen clear accountability or corrective action? Those are questions that remain unanswered.

Do you believe your party can meet all the requirements of the amended Electoral Act?

The ADC is determined to comply with the law, even though we believe certain aspects of the amended Electoral Act raise legitimate concerns. The speed with which the legislation was passed in the National Assembly raised questions. Many observers believe parts of it may inadvertently disadvantage opposition parties. Nevertheless, the broader issue for Nigerians is ensuring credible elections. Electoral integrity begins long before Election Day. It starts with transparency in processes, fairness in regulations, and equal opportunities for all parties to participate.

Do you anticipate any further obstacles as the 2027 elections approach?

Nigerians are increasingly aware of the stakes. Citizens are tired of the current situation in the country and want change. The 2027 elections will be crucial because Nigerians see them as an opportunity to reclaim the country’s direction. People are preparing to participate actively in the electoral process to ensure their votes count.

You used the word ‘war’ in describing the political situation. What exactly do you mean by that?

I use the word metaphorically to describe the seriousness of the struggle Nigerians face. The country is confronting serious security and governance challenges. People are being kidnapped, communities are under attack, and citizens are increasingly worried about their safety. When citizens say they are fighting for the soul of the nation, they mean they are determined to protect their future through democratic participation. The most effective “revolution” is participation in the electoral process — coming out to vote and ensuring those votes are properly counted.

Some people worry that such language could be interpreted literally as a call to conflict.

No. What Nigerians want is a peaceful democratic process. But we must also be honest about the realities facing the country. Citizens want a nation where their lives and livelihoods are secure. As long as insecurity persists, people will continue to feel that the nation is fighting for its survival.

Who do you believe is responsible for the irregular entries that appeared on your portal?

We do not see them as systemic failures. Open platforms often attract attempts by individuals to insert unusual entries or test the system. What matters is that the backend security mechanisms are designed to detect and remove such entries. We continue to strengthen those safeguards. Our focus remains on ensuring that legitimate registrations are protected and that the platform continues to improve through user feedback.

Can you give an estimate of how many people have registered so far?

The number is significant, but I will not disclose specific figures at this time. The response has been encouraging, and we are grateful to Nigerians for their enthusiasm.

The ruling party controls many state governments. Can the ADC realistically match that political structure?

Political structures are not simply about governors or physical offices. The true structure of any political party is the people. Yes, the APC may have many governors and access to state resources. But Nigeria has over 200 million citizens. If citizens become actively engaged in the political process, they constitute a powerful democratic structure.