By Pascal Ibe

Introduction

Gradually, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside their supporters, have kicked off their campaign, seeking votes from Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Like in 2023, Obi supporters believe that the former Anambra governor’s presidential ambition is a movement which comes at a time when the country is grappling with insecurity and economic woes.

As a result of this, some of Obi’s allies believe that there should be a fundraising account for the campaign activities of Obi and Kwankwaso in order for the NDC presidential candidate to achieve his goals.

Claim

A supporter of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, on the X platform, @Bayo_Bilisi posted (archived here) on 5 November a flyer which claims to show one of Obi’s allies, Aisha Yesufu, warning Nigerians not to donate to his campaign. 

In the flyer, its caption alleged that Yesufu said: “No one should donate to this account (listed on the flyer). Peter Obi doesn’t need Nigerians money.”

Captioning the flyer, @Bayo_Bilisi wrote, “Aisha Yesufu has warned against donating to any account for Obi Kwankwaso’s campaign. Let’s take note please!”

The post has generated over a thousand views, with some people asking whether the claim was true or not.

Verification

However, FACTWATCH Nigeria checked the X account of Yesufu and found a video of her urging Nigerians to donate to the Obi/Kwankwaso campaign.

In the video posted on 4 November,  Yesufu attached the account details to which interested persons can pay.

She said the donation was necessary because the arrangement in 2023, in which Obi largely provided the money for campaign activities, was no longer sustainable, calling on supporters to contribute towards the effort.

Yesufu added that citizens who wanted to see a change in the country should take ownership of the campaign by making donations, no matter how little.

We further observed that she has since continued to solicit funds from Nigerians and has also posted receipts of some people who donated to the account.

She made posts appreciating the donors here,here and here.

Verdict

Across her pages, Yesufu has continued to ask for donations for the Obi/Kwankwaso campaign and at no time did she ask Nigerians to pay into the account.

Therefore, the claim is FALSE.