APC will retain presidency beyond 2031 — Yari

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure a second term in office in the 2027 presidential election.

Yari also predicted that the APC would retain control of the presidency beyond 2031.

The former Zamfara State governor spoke in Abuja after returning from an overseas trip, where he was received by party supporters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

His comments came a day after the Presidency unveiled the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, amid criticism over the composition of the committee.

Yari said the ruling party was confident of Tinubu’s re-election, citing the administration’s performance since assuming office.

“Today, we have seen him [Bola Ahmed Tinubu] as president today, and by God’s grace, he shall be the president come 2027,” he said.

He also assured Nigerians that the APC would fulfil the promises it made during the 2023 election campaign.

“I want to assure Nigerians that whatever promise we made during the campaign, we shall keep to our promises,” Yari stated.

According to him, the party’s ability to keep its commitments would strengthen its support among Nigerians.

“Our party is synonymous with keeping to our words,” he added.

Yari further prayed for divine guidance for Tinubu, saying the APC would work to secure another mandate for the President.

“We pray that Almighty Allah will give him [the President] the wisdom to lead this country. We assure Nigerians that we shall fulfil all our campaign promises,” he said.

He also expressed optimism that the APC would remain the country’s ruling party after Tinubu’s second term.

“We pray that our party will continue to be the party to lead the country after President Tinubu’s second term,” Yari said.

Tinubu is chairman of the newly constituted campaign council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, are among its principal officials.

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, was appointed secretary, while Yari was named Director-General.

The council has, however, faced criticism over the inclusion of some serving officials and individuals whose past activities have attracted scrutiny.

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has threatened legal action over the appointment of Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji as Deputy Director of Fundraising, citing an alleged conflict of interest.

The inclusion of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu and former NSITF board chair Ngozi Olejeme has also attracted criticism over unresolved allegations linked to their previous public offices.

Despite the controversy, Yari said the campaign council remained focused on mobilising support for Tinubu and securing victory for the APC in 2027.