Aisha Yesufu accuses APC of smear campaigns against Peter Obi ahead of 2027
Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu claims the ruling APC has launched coordinated smear campaigns against NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, signalling the party fears his growing support ahead of the 2027 election. In a post on X Saturday, Yesufu wrote that APC's obsession with Obi shows "they have gotten the memo that rigging will not be an option."
The accusation follows increased attacks on Obi across social media and pro-government platforms in recent weeks. Yesufu argues the pattern reveals APC anxiety about Obi's expanding base, particularly among young voters and the "Obidient" movement that disrupted the 2023 election. She maintains Obi's supporters will not accept a repeat of what she describes as the rigged 2023 presidential vote.
The NDC says it will monitor INEC "like hawks" with "zero trust" in the electoral body. This mirrors broader opposition scepticism about INEC's independence after controversies surrounding the 2023 result transmission and collation process. The commission has repeatedly insisted it will deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
With the 2027 cycle already shaping up as a referendum on Tinubu's first term, the smear campaign narrative could either galvanise Obi's base or backfire if perceived as victimhood politics. The real test comes when campaigns officially open—will policy debates replace personal attacks?
How much do coordinated online attacks actually shift voter sentiment, or do they mainly energise existing supporters on both sides?