Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari has urged voters in northern Nigeria to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Yari, who serves as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said Tinubu deserves the North’s support because of his role in backing former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He made the statement during a meeting between the campaign council and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
Yari Points to Buhari’s Presidency
According to Yari, Tinubu could have sought the presidency in 2019.
However, he said Tinubu chose to support Buhari and allow the North to complete its time in the presidency.
Yari described the decision as something northern voters should remember ahead of the next election.
“For people in the North, I believe it’s time for us to repay Tinubu for letting the North finish its full term,” he said.
‘Tinubu Said It Was the North’s Turn’
Yari recalled that some APC figures had wanted Tinubu to contest the presidency in 2019.
He said Tinubu resisted the pressure because he believed Buhari should remain in office.
According to Yari, Tinubu promised to support Buhari as long as the former president was prepared to seek another term and campaign for votes.
Yari said Tinubu ultimately kept that commitment.
Campaign Council Builds Support
The APC campaign council is now working to strengthen support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
Yari said northern voters should not have a reason to oppose the president’s re-election bid.
He argued that Tinubu should be given the opportunity to continue his administration’s programmes and complete his tenure.
2027 Election Takes Shape
Political activity is already increasing ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
The APC is expected to rely heavily on its nationwide political structure as it seeks to retain the presidency.
Yari’s latest comments show that the party’s campaign will also focus on Tinubu’s political history and his relationship with the North.
Whether the argument will translate into broad electoral support, however, will ultimately be decided by voters at the polls.
