Senator Abdul'aziz Yari, representing Zamfara West, has publicly declared that Northern Nigeria will fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's anticipated re-election campaign in 2027. The senator framed the pledge as a reciprocal gesture for the South-West's past political backing.
A Debt of Political Loyalty
Speaking on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Oyo town, Yari stated that the support from the North is a form of repayment. He credited President Tinubu with being instrumental to the electoral successes of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
"The message is very clear. The South-West has stood by the North despite all odds; now it’s time for us to pay back, and we will do so," Yari asserted during his installation ceremony.
He elaborated that Buhari's dream of becoming president in 2015 was "fully designed and financed" by Tinubu. The senator also noted that Tinubu was key to Buhari's victory for a second term in 2019.
Chieftaincy Title Bridges Regional Ties
The declaration was made at an event where the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, conferred the traditional title of "Obaloyin of Yorubaland" upon Senator Yari. This title carries the responsibility of acting as an ambassador for Yoruba interests.
Yari emphasized that the honor made him and other Northern leaders "sons of this place," vowing to promote Yoruba cultural values. He connected this new role directly to political solidarity, stating, "Therefore, we in Northern Nigeria have no option but to follow and fully support him the first time and the second time, by God’s grace."
He expressed optimism about Tinubu's administration, saying, "We have started seeing what he is doing, and we pray for his success and a better Nigeria during his reign."
Controversy and Context
The conferment of the title was not without controversy. Prior to the ceremony, the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) had raised strong objections. Led by its President, Dr. Adebayo Ogunleye, the group opposed bestowing a prestigious Yoruba title on a political figure they linked to issues of banditry and corruption in Zamfara State.
Furthermore, Senator Yari is known for his stance on national security. He has previously criticized Nigerians who called for foreign intervention, specifically referencing those who appealed to former US President Donald Trump for help against bandit attacks. Yari has maintained that Nigeria's challenges must be resolved internally by its own citizens.
This public commitment from a prominent Northern senator sets an early tone for the political landscape leading up to the 2027 general elections, highlighting enduring regional alliances within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
