A delegation from the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC), led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, has embarked on a series of meetings with Muslim clerics and leaders across some states in Nigeria. The meetings, which commenced in Jos, Plateau State, were part of the council's consultations with faith-based stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections. The delegation included former governors, senators, and other high-ranking officials of the APC.
The delegation visited Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi states, where they met with Muslim scholars and leaders of prominent Islamic sects, including Izala, Tijjaniyya, JIBWIS, and Qadiriyya. The meetings provided an opportunity for the APC PCC to seek the support of the religious leaders for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. The delegation was received by prominent Muslim leaders, including Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Jos.
In Bauchi, the delegation met with Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, Khalifa of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Zawiya, who prayed for President Tinubu and emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue between the state and the religious community. The meeting in Kaduna was marked by lengthy deliberations on pressing national issues, including security, economic hardship, and the sustenance of mutual trust in communities of diverse ethnic nationalities.
The discussions in Kaduna were led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Chairman of the Kaduna faction of JIBWIS, who commended Senator Yari for extending hands of fellowship to the Muslim community. However, he also admonished leaders at every level to listen more and speak to the people with sincerity. The delegation's consultations with Muslim clerics in Kano concluded with a meeting with the leader of the Qadiriyya movement, Sheikh Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara.
Sheikh Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara offered special prayers for peace in Nigeria and for the success of the Council's work. He also urged the delegation to carry the message of unity to every corner of the federation. The meetings between the APC PCC delegation and the Muslim clerics reflect the party's efforts to engage with faith-based stakeholders and build support for President Tinubu's re-election bid.
The APC PCC delegation included former Kano, Borno, and Kebbi State governors, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Ali Modu Sheriff, and Senator Adamu Aliero, respectively. Other members of the delegation included Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura, National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, James Abiodun Faleke, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.
The consultations with Muslim clerics are part of the APC PCC's efforts to build a broad-based coalition of support for President Tinubu's re-election bid. The party's engagement with faith-based stakeholders is seen as a critical aspect of its strategy to secure votes in the 2027 general elections. The outcome of these consultations is expected to have a significant impact on the party's electoral fortunes in the region.
Key points
- APC PCC engages Muslim clerics in North Central, North West, and North East Nigeria ahead of 2027 elections.
- Delegation led by Abdulaziz Yari seeks support of Muslim leaders for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.
- Meetings held in Jos, Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi states with leaders of Izala, Tijjaniyya, JIBWIS, and Qadiriyya sects.
