Senator Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West and a former governor of Zamfara State, has pledged to secure President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027 after being named director-general of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council. Yari made the commitment on Saturday, August 22, in a statement reacting to his appointment, saying he accepted the role with "deep gratitude" and "full seriousness."
Yari Accepts Appointment with Commitment
In his statement, Yari expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the party leadership for the trust placed in him. "My sincere thanks go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party for the trust placed in me, and to our party leadership for the confidence. I do not take it lightly," he said.
The former governor framed the 2027 campaign as broader than a standard electoral contest, emphasizing direct engagement with Nigerians across the country. "A campaign is more than an election. It is a conversation with the Nigerian people in every state, every language, every faith about the future we are building together," Yari stated. "We intend to lead that conversation with discipline, unity, and respect for all."
Campaign Vision and Appeal to Nigerians
Yari urged APC members and supporters to begin work immediately, noting that there is a role for everyone in the campaign structure. He also reached out to Nigerians outside the party, asking them to back Tinubu's re-election based on performance rather than political allegiance.
"And to Nigerians of every political leaning, this is a moment to choose progress over division. We will earn your confidence not with noise, but with a record we can stand behind," Yari said. "By the grace of God, and with the effort of us all, we will deliver victory in January 2027."
APC Unveils 108-Member Campaign Council
Yari's appointment is part of a wider structure the APC announced on Saturday, unveiling a 108-member presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tinubu was named chairman of the council, while Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda were appointed as vice-chairmen.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary of the council. Ajibola Basiru, national secretary of the APC, was named deputy secretary, with Hadiza Bala-Usman taking on the role of assistant secretary. The composition was made public through a list released by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson.
Political Context and Related Developments
In a related development, Senator Saliu Mustapha picked the PDP senatorial nomination form on Friday, hours after announcing his resignation from the APC. Mustapha's move sets up a direct 2027 electoral clash with Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who holds the APC ticket for the same district. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and opposition stakeholders were reportedly involved in courting the senator to the PDP.
