President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign has intensified engagement with traditional rulers, with the presidency promising a more inclusive governance structure for royal institutions if the president secures another term in 2027.
The pledge was conveyed through a delegation led by Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, during visits to prominent royal palaces in northern Nigeria.
According to a statement from Yari’s media office, the delegation visited the Emirs of Gwandu, Katsina, Daura and Zaria as part of consultations with influential traditional and political figures ahead of the next general election.
Yari said the engagements were designed to strengthen communication between the campaign council and traditional institutions, which continue to play important roles in community relations, conflict resolution and the promotion of social stability.
He stressed that the visits were not primarily intended to secure formal political endorsements, but to obtain the prayers, blessings and advice of traditional rulers as the APC prepares for the 2027 electoral contest.
The campaign council also reaffirmed its commitment to involving different stakeholders in the country’s political and governance processes, while recognising the influence of royal institutions in promoting peace and unity.
During the visits, the traditional rulers offered prayers for national stability, unity and a successful democratic process.
Among the prominent figures who accompanied Yari were former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kebbi State Governor Adamu Aliero and former Zamfara State Governor Sani Ahmad Yarima.
The consultations come as political parties and their campaign structures begin strengthening relationships with influential groups ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Tinubu’s pledge of greater inclusion for traditional rulers would require further details to establish what specific responsibilities or formal roles the institutions could assume if he wins another term.
