2027: Opposition Knocks Yari Over APC’s 2031 Power Projection
Opposition parties and political stakeholders have criticised former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdul’Aziz Yari, after he expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress would retain the presidency beyond 2031.
Yari, speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after returning from an overseas trip, said President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election and that the APC would remain in power beyond 2031.
He was welcomed by party supporters who gathered at the airport to pray for the success of his campaign assignment and Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Minister of Defence and member of the campaign council, Christopher Musa, also expressed confidence that the APC would win the 2027 election and continue what he described as effective governance and improved security across the country.
The claims, however, drew criticism from opposition groups, including the African Democratic Congress, Nigeria Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party and Social Democratic Party, as well as former presidential candidate Peter Ameh.
Yari’s comments came shortly after the Presidency unveiled the APC’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, with Tinubu as chairman and Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as vice chairmen.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was appointed secretary of the council.
The composition of the council has already generated controversy, particularly over the inclusion of serving public officials and individuals facing unresolved allegations.
Among the contentious appointments is that of Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji, who was named Deputy Director of Fundraising.
Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has threatened legal action over the appointment, questioning whether a serving public official should occupy a senior role in a partisan campaign structure.
The inclusion of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu and former NSITF board chair Ngozi Olejeme has also attracted scrutiny over unresolved allegations of financial misconduct associated with the two former officials.
The growing controversy comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
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