Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over Nigeria's security situation, arguing that even a retired Army General who held the office before him could not solve the problem. Yari made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Birnin Kebbi, where he met Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers, and APC leaders in the state.
Yari Cites Buhari's Record on Insecurity
Yari said former President Muhammadu Buhari made genuine efforts to tackle insecurity during his tenure but fell short, and that this context should inform how Nigerians judge the current administration. "Former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired Army General, had also made efforts to tackle insecurity during his administration, although the challenge was not completely eliminated," Yari said. He added that addressing the security crisis required more than government action alone, urging Nigerians to reflect on their own responsibilities, including what he described as their relationship with God.
Yari Defends Economy, Cites Global Pressures
On the economy, Yari said the hardship facing Nigerians was not unique to the country. He pointed to a drop in inflation and a reduction in fertiliser prices as signs that the Tinubu administration's policies were beginning to take hold. He also cited ongoing cash transfers to vulnerable households as part of the Federal Government's efforts to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.
Yari compared Nigeria's situation to that of larger economies, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, saying governments everywhere were grappling with their own national challenges. He called on Nigerians to recognise the administration's efforts and get behind its development agenda.
PCC Plans for 2027 and Kebbi Governor's Support
The PCC chief said the campaign council would work with all individuals and groups committed to Tinubu's re-election in 2027, regardless of their political standing, and expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly in Kebbi based on what he observed during the visit.
Governor Idris welcomed the delegation warmly, saying the presence of APC leaders and traditional rulers at the palace was a show of solidarity. He said the state had benefited from several federal government projects under Tinubu's watch, and that those developments had deepened Kebbi's support for the President. Idris said the state would continue to back the APC heading into the 2027 general elections.
