Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has called on Northerners to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027. Yari emphasized the importance of national integration and unity, stating that Nigeria belongs to all citizens regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. He made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the Government House in Kano on Saturday, October 4, 2026.
Yari stressed that the North must respect the principle of rotational presidency between the two prominent regions. He noted that Nigeria is an amalgamation of different regions and that political elites should reflect the need for a peaceful power shift to the South. Yari, who represents Zamfara North West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, cautioned against the belief that political power should be retained in one region simply because of its numerical strength.
According to Yari, the North has controlled the central government for about 47 years in the last 66 years of independence. He argued that allowing power to remain in the South for another four years would help consolidate national cohesion. Yari acknowledged that the Tinubu administration was not perfect but urged Nigerians to understand that the challenges facing the present government were accumulated problems.
Yari cited examples of challenges such as inflation, insecurity, and economic difficulties, which he said were not peculiar to Nigeria. He noted that the United States of America also faced similar challenges, including inflation and high prices. Yari emphasized that Northerners have contributed to Nigeria's progress and have also been part of the leadership responsible for the country's challenges.
While canvassing for Northern votes for Tinubu, Yari urged Nigerians to examine economic indicators, including foreign reserves and inflation, when assessing the performance of the present administration. He appealed to citizens to compare relevant economic indicators from 2023 with current figures, highlighting the administration's efforts to address the country's economic challenges and strengthen its foreign reserves.
Yari emphasized the need for collective action for peace and development, noting that both the Federal and state governments were making efforts to address the challenges confronting the country. He urged Nigerians to work together to overcome the country's difficulties. Yari's call for support for Tinubu's re-election is seen as a move to promote national unity and stability.
Yari's remarks have sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some calling for the North to respect the rotational presidency principle. Others have expressed concerns about the country's economic challenges and the need for effective leadership. As the 2027 elections approach, Yari's call for support for Tinubu's re-election is likely to continue to generate debate and discussion across the country.
Key points
- Yari urges Northerners to support Tinubu's re-election for national unity and integration.
- The North has controlled the central government for about 47 years in the last 66 years of independence.
- Yari cites economic indicators, including foreign reserves and inflation, as measures of the administration's performance.
