Investigative journalist David Hundeyin has publicly criticized prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, accusing her of dishonesty and deliberate misrepresentation in public debates. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Hundeyin alleged that Yesufu consistently distorts arguments to deflect criticism and avoid addressing core issues.
Hundeyin likened Yesufu’s approach to “strawmanning,” a debate tactic where an individual misrepresents an opponent’s position to create an easier argument to attack. He described how she frequently shifts discussions to unrelated claims, forcing others to defend accusations they never made.
“You will ask her, ‘What is your name?’ She will respond, ‘Where is your evidence that I don’t have a name or a birth certificate? Provide your evidence!’ Then she will go on a three-day tweeting spree, after which she will declare ‘victory’ when you get tired of responding,” Hundeyin wrote, emphasizing what he perceives as her strategy to derail conversations.
Hundeyin’s criticism stems in part from a long-standing disagreement regarding the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, which gained global traction during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Aisha Yesufu was one of the most vocal figures in the BBOG movement, which emerged in 2014 following the abduction of over 270 schoolgirls from Chibok by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The campaign, which called for the government to take action in rescuing the kidnapped girls, attracted significant international attention and was endorsed by global figures, including former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama.
Hundeyin has argued that, while the movement may have started with genuine intentions, it was ultimately co-opted by foreign governments—particularly the United States—as part of a broader political strategy leading up to the 2015 Nigerian presidential election. The election saw Muhammadu Buhari defeat the incumbent Jonathan in what was widely seen as a significant political shift.
“I’ve always said BBOG—regardless of how or why it began—was used by the U.S. government as the ‘Big Idea’ in the marketing campaign that was part of the 2015 regime change operation in Nigeria. Some of the principal actors like her knew that they were being used, and by whom,” Hundeyin stated.
However, he accused Yesufu of distorting his position, claiming she falsely presents his argument as an assertion that BBOG activists were financially compensated for their involvement. “What Aisha goes on the internet to say is ‘David Hundeyin should prove that we were paid to do BBOG!’—an accusation I have literally never, ever, EVER made,” he added.
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Hundeyin further alleged that Yesufu exploits the widespread issue of poor reading comprehension in Nigeria to mislead the public, arguing that many people fail to discern the difference between his actual claims and her responses. He painted her as a manipulative figure who twists narratives to suit her agenda.
“A profoundly dishonest person and one I have no respect for whatsoever! A snake in human skin!” he wrote.
Yesufu, known for her outspoken activism beyond BBOG, was also a strong critic of the Buhari administration and played a key role in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in 2020. Despite her advocacy, she has faced criticism from different quarters, with some questioning her motives and political leanings.
