Activist, Aisha Yesufu, has compared Peter Obi to former South African president Nelson Mandela, saying the forrmer Labour Party presidential candidate has the same disposition to serve, leave a legacy and move on.

She made the comparison while reaffirming her vow to oppose Obi if he seeks a second term in office.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, she said she had extracted that commitment directly from Obi after the 2023 presidential election, pressing him to reaffirm a position he had held since 2022.

“If Mr Peter Obi gets into office and decides to do more than one term, I, Aisha Yesufu, and I repeat it here, I will oppose him with everything in me, because he gave his word,” she said.

She recalled that Obi had made the one-term declaration before the 2023 election, adding that she had initially pushed back against it.

“In 2022, when he was saying that, I remember saying to him, oh, sir, please, you can’t be serious. You can’t say you’re going to do one term and move on,” she said.

Yesufu said that after the election, she sat down with Obi and demanded a fresh commitment.

“I need your word on this. I know you had said it before. I want you to repeat it. Is it true you’re going to do just one term?” she said she asked him.

She said Obi told her, “Aisha, I told you even in 2023, and I still mean it, because I said I’m going out and I’m telling people this is what you have said. And I’m putting my name on the line. I don’t joke with my name. I don’t joke with my integrity. When I say something, I mean it.”

Yesufu expressed confidence that Obi would keep to the pledge, describing him as a man who honours his word.

She said part of what drew her to Obi was his stated desire to leave a lasting national legacy rather than cling to power, comparing his outlook to that of Singapore’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew and South Africa’s Nelson Mandela.

“When he talks, you see him put himself in the likes of Lee Kuan Yew, in the likes of Nelson Mandela, especially more of Nelson Mandela, and that a lot can be done in a country without you having to stay on, on, on, and on,” she said.

She said Obi’s commitment to a single term was rooted in a belief that leaders unencumbered by re-election calculations make better decisions for the country.

“When you know you’re not coming back, you’re not able to make decisions that work more for the nation, rather than decisions that work more for a few people, because you’re thinking of coming back and you need their help later or whatever,” she said.

Yesufu said she envisioned Obi being remembered as the father of modern-day Nigeria a century from now if he followed through on his vision.

“Sitting down with him is seeing him wanting a Nigeria that not only works, but years from now, probably I would say like a hundred years from now, that people will remember him when they talk about Nigeria,” she said.

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Youths in Yobe State have appealed to Governor Mai Mala Buni to support the emergence of a young and capable successor ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The youths made the call on Monday during an exclusive interview with

Arewa PUNCH during which session they noted that youthful leadership would reflect the aspirations of the majority and bring renewed energy to governance.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ibrahim Adamu urged the governor to leverage his influence in favour of a younger candidate.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, to use his influence to support the emergence of a young and competent successor in 2027,” he said.

“This is not just about age, but about the need for a generational shift that reflects the energy, creativity, and aspirations of the majority of our population. Young people are ready to lead, and we believe that Yobe State is prepared to embrace this change.”

Adamu further noted that youths had consistently played key roles in political mobilisation without corresponding representation in leadership.

“For years, youths in Yobe have been the backbone of political mobilisation and grassroots support, yet we have not been given a chance to lead at the top. This appeal is about fairness, opportunity, and ensuring that leadership represents the demographic realities of our state,” he added.

Also speaking, a youth stakeholder, Aisha Bukar, stressed the need for inclusivity and broader representation in governance.

“It is critical that the next leader of Yobe State understands the needs of young people and is willing to carry everyone along. Young women and other underrepresented groups must also be considered in governance,” she said.

“Inclusive leadership will produce policies that reflect the aspirations of all segments of society, especially the youth.”

She, however, clarified that the appeal was not a criticism of the current administration.

“Our appeal is not meant to undermine the achievements of the current administration, which we acknowledge. Rather, it is a constructive call aimed at ensuring continuity through a leader who can connect more closely with the younger generation,” she insisted.

The youths maintained that their demand was made in good faith and reflected the aspirations of many young people across the state.

Adamu commended the governor’s efforts while reiterating the need for generational inclusion in leadership.

“We appreciate the efforts of Governor Buni in developing Yobe State and maintaining stability,” he stressed.

Continuing, he pointed out, “However, as we look forward to 2027, supporting a young successor will consolidate these gains and position the state for a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking future.

“This is a sincere appeal from youths who are committed to the progress of Yobe State and strongly believe that generational inclusion in leadership is essential for sustainable development.”

Our correspondent reports that the call comes amid increasing advocacy for youth participation in leadership across the country as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

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