Yari Backs Tinubu’s Re-Election, Says South Should Complete Eight Years in Power

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, has backed calls for the South to complete eight years in power, saying the principle of rotational presidency should guide political leadership in Nigeria.

Yari made the position known during a visit by members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council to the palace of the Emir of Gwandu in Birnin Kebbi, where he joined Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris in soliciting support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Idris said Kebbi remained firmly behind the APC and described the state as an early supporter of Tinubu’s bid for a second term. He urged residents to disregard contrary claims circulating on social media, insisting that the party enjoyed strong grassroots support.

The governor argued that the North had already spent eight years in the presidency and that allowing the South to complete its own eight-year period would promote fairness, national unity and political stability.

“The North has spent eight years in power; it’s only fair and in the spirit of oneness, togetherness, unity of purpose and our cherished rotational presidency to allow the South to complete its eight years on the saddle,” Idris said.

Yari also endorsed the argument, maintaining that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure by supporting Tinubu’s re-election. He said the North had benefited from two presidential terms and should demonstrate fairness by respecting the principle of power rotation.

According to Yari, rotational leadership is important for sustaining peace, national cohesion and the country’s long-term development. He also praised Idris for his administration’s efforts in Kebbi and for mobilising support for the APC and the President.

During the visit, Yari defended Tinubu’s record in office, citing the administration’s efforts in economic development, agriculture, infrastructure, social welfare and security. He said the government had prioritised insecurity through the deployment of additional military equipment and special forces to affected areas, particularly in northern Nigeria.

The delegation was received by traditional rulers led by the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar. Other monarchs present included the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera; the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi; and the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mikhailu.

The Emir of Gwandu prayed for the electoral success of Tinubu and Idris, while also urging the President to review his administration’s performance and determine the best path for consolidating its achievements.

The visit formed part of the APC campaign council’s engagement with traditional institutions as the party seeks to strengthen support for Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.