Senator Abdulaziz Yari has argued that Nigeria’s persistent insecurity cannot be blamed solely on President Bola Tinubu, pointing to the inability of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired Army general, to completely end the crisis during his eight-year administration.
Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, made the argument on Monday during a visit to Kebbi State, where he met Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers and other party leaders in Birnin Kebbi.
He maintained that although insecurity remained a major national challenge, Tinubu was making efforts to address it despite not having a military background like Buhari.
“If a retired general did his best but could not completely tackle insecurity, what do you expect of President Tinubu, who is not a general? Nevertheless, the President has done his utmost best to address the security challenges confronting the country,” Yari said.
The APC chieftain acknowledged the security difficulties confronting the country but urged Nigerians to recognise the efforts of the Federal Government, adding that citizens also needed to reflect on their relationship with God.
Beyond security, Yari defended the administration’s handling of the economy, arguing that the hardship experienced by Nigerians was not unique to the country.
He claimed that inflation had declined and fertiliser prices had reduced, while the Federal Government was implementing interventions, including cash transfers to vulnerable households, to cushion the impact of economic difficulties.
Yari cited the United States and Saudi Arabia as examples of countries that also faced challenges, urging Nigerians to appreciate the administration’s efforts to improve living conditions.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the APC campaign leadership to assess the party’s political strength in Kebbi ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yari commended Governor Idris and other party leaders for mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, particularly their efforts to bring traditional rulers together to receive the presidential campaign delegation at the palace of the Emir of Gwandu.
He said the campaign council would work with individuals and groups willing to support Tinubu’s return to office, regardless of their positions, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory in the state.
“We are leading the campaign for the President’s re-election and other candidates of our party. We appreciate you for bringing the emirs together under one umbrella at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace,” he said.
Responding, Governor Idris said Kebbi had benefited from projects undertaken by the Federal Government under Tinubu, which he cited as a reason for the state’s continued support for the President.
The governor described the gathering of traditional rulers and APC leaders as a demonstration of solidarity with the visiting campaign delegation.
Idris also referenced prominent political figures from the state, including Senator Atiku Bagudu, Senator Adamu Aliero and Ambassador Saidu Dakingari, as part of the leadership backing the party.
“We have no reason not to support the President. You have seen the people of Kebbi and their overwhelming support. We are for the APC and we are for President Tinubu,” the governor said.
He expressed confidence that Kebbi would maintain its support for the APC and Tinubu as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
