In a surprising turn of events, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, a prominent ally of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, has reportedly resigned from the Obidient Movement. According to a reliable source close to the development, her decision stems from renewed scrutiny surrounding her role in the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign during the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
The controversy resurfaced after U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS, with over $697 million annually. Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, made these claims during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency on February 13, 2025. The session, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” focused on alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds.
During the hearing, Perry stated, “Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding.”
This revelation reignited discussions about the BBOG campaign, which was launched following the abduction of approximately 300 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State, on April 14, 2014. Some Nigerians believe the incident was orchestrated to destabilize then-President Jonathan’s government, particularly due to his minority ethnic background. Former President Muhammadu Buhari ultimately defeated Jonathan in the 2015 general election, with the BBOG campaign playing a significant role in shaping public opinion against Jonathan’s administration.
Following Perry’s allegations, social media platforms like X erupted with calls for accountability. Many users questioned whether the BBOG campaign was manipulated or sponsored by external forces to remove Jonathan from power. One user, @anthonyabakporo, wrote, “I still stand that Aisha Yesufu @AishaYesufu should either apologize or tell us why she thinks she is innocent. Insulting David Hundeyin @DavidHundeyin is not addressing the ‘Truth.'”
Another user, @ogidi_odogwu, chimed in, asking, “Aisha Yusufu, what do you say about the exposé by @DOGE regarding USAID sponsoring Boko Haram and the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign to unseat GEJ?” Another critic, @MikelBardsdale, added, “Aisha, I’m sorry for you. Refusal to admit an honest mistake has destroyed your image and usefulness. Pride messed you up. Your value is now 20%.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Aisha Yesufu categorically denied any involvement with USAID or other organizations in funding the BBOG campaign. In a post on X, she emphasized her commitment to nation-building, stating, “Just so you know, Aisha Yesufu is currently working with like-minded Nigerians who are not afraid to put in the work for Nigeria to be a great Nation. She is working on getting people with competence, character, and capacity into leadership positions. So they can give good governance, accountability, and transparency.”
However, sources familiar with the situation revealed that the mounting criticism and scrutiny forced Yesufu to step down from the Obidient Movement. An insider told News Band, “Aisha is no longer with the movement. She voluntarily resigned following the controversy that trailed the revelation of the Republican Congressman. Maybe, in due time, she will make her position official to the general public.”
Aisha Yesufu
As the dust settles, questions remain about the true nature of the BBOG campaign and its ties—if any—to foreign entities. While Aisha Yesufu continues to focus on her vision for Nigeria, her resignation underscores the challenges faced by public figures navigating complex political landscapes amidst swirling controversies. Will she address the allegations directly, or will this mark a new chapter in her career? Only time will tell.
