Aisha Yesufu: Obi supporters will monitor votes from polling units to Abuja; ‘zero trust’ in INEC

# What Yesufu said

# The monitoring plan Yesufu described a concrete monitoring approach: stationing representatives at every polling unit, and following result sheets through each stage of collation — polling unit, ward, local government, state and finally Abuja. "No result sheet will leave our sight," she said, indicating an intent to keep physical and observational oversight at every handover point.

# Why supporters don't trust institutions Yesufu said she has "zero trust" in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the judiciary to guarantee that votes will be protected and accurately counted. That lack of confidence underpins the push for organised grassroots presence at polling units rather than reliance on institutional safeguards.

# Tactical shift in campaign activity

# Context on political claims Yesufu criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, calling its performance a "colossal failure" and arguing macroeconomic indicators touted by government have not improved everyday living conditions for Nigerians. She said voters are increasingly prioritising competence, character and capacity over religious considerations when choosing candidates.

# Incident in Benue State and Obi's response Addressing a recent incident in Benue State where Peter Obi's convoy was reportedly obstructed, Yesufu defended Obi's decision not to confront those who blocked the convoy. She said he had other engagements and should not allow a small group of "miscreants" to dictate his movements.

# Election expectations and mobilisation role Yesufu expressed confidence that Obi can win in 2027, predicting strong results in Lagos and gains elsewhere. She said her role is mobilisation and vote protection rather than contesting elective office herself. Her comments reflect a strategy of organised volunteer oversight to ensure votes cast translate into declared results.

# Practical implications

# What the plan does not detail Yesufu outlined the intent and the broad steps — presence at polling units and continuous tracking of results — but did not provide operational specifics such as the number of agents, communication systems, legal steps if results are altered, or arrangements with neutral observers.

# Bottom line Yesufu frames the plan as corrective action: after 2023, supporters must actively guard the vote rather than assume institutions will do so. The proposal shifts campaign energy toward grassroots presence at the point of voting and through the collation chain.