Aisha Yesufu, a prominent figure in the realm of human rights activism, in an illuminating revelation has disclosed that during the 2023 presidential election, the campaign team for the Labour Party did not engage in paying social media influencers to advocate for Peter Obi’s presidential bid.
Yesufu, who chaired the fundraising committee for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation, provided insight into the financial aspects of the campaign, stating that support from social media influencers was entirely voluntary.
Given the financial constraints faced by the party, television advertisements were deemed unfeasible, prompting a strategic focus on radio broadcasts to disseminate campaign messages. Yesufu also revealed that while the campaign team allocated resources for social media advertisements, they opted not to enlist the services of paid influencers.
She explained, “We were operating with limited funds, so we had to be prudent in our spending. Television advertising was beyond our means, hence our emphasis on radio broadcasts, particularly in regions where greater outreach was needed. We managed to secure favorable rates with 40 radio stations, some with interstate coverage. Additionally, we utilized social media platforms for advertising purposes, but without engaging paid influencers. Nigerians rallied behind Peter Obi’s cause voluntarily.”
Recalling earlier disclosures made by the fundraising committee, it was revealed that donations amounting to N596 million were received from party supporters, grassroots movements, and individuals of goodwill, both within Nigeria and abroad.
Yesufu, speaking as the chairperson of the fundraising team, unveiled these figures during a press conference held in Abuja, shedding light on the financial backing garnered by the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation.
These revelations come at a time when the opposition party faces internal strife and allegations of corruption within its leadership ranks.