Former Governor of Zamfara, Sen. Ahmad Yarima, says Sen. Abdulaziz Yari has the political experience, expertise and networks required to lead President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign to victory.
Yarima, who governed Zamfara from 1999 to 2007, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by his Special Assistant, Saifullahi Abubakar.
Yarima, who revealed this in Gusau on Thursday, described Yari’s appointment as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council as “putting round pegs in round holes.”
The former governor said the decision to appoint Yari reflected the senator’s “pragmatic leadership, team spirit, exposure and appeal to various critical stakeholders across the country.”
Yarima recalled that Yari had played a key role in his 2003 re-election campaign, saying his qualities as a politician had been evident for many years.
“Sen. Yari is a pragmatist and goal-getter. I saw this 20 years ago when he led my re-election campaign in 2003,” Yarima was quoted as saying.
He described Yari as “a shrewd and dynamic politician” who was prepared to deploy his “energy, brain, time and resources” toward achieving set objectives.
Yarima said Yari had built substantial political credentials since 1999 through his involvement as a party leader, lawmaker and governor, adding that his experience had exposed him to different aspects of Nigeria’s political system.
He noted that Yari’s eight years as governor, combined with his legislative experience in both chambers of the National Assembly, had enabled him to establish extensive political contacts across the country.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that he is one of the most successful chairmen of the Nigerian Governors Forum,” Yarima said, adding that Yari’s leadership had earned him the confidence of his colleagues.
According to him, Yari understood the political and governance structures of the country and knew how to engage the different stakeholders within those structures.
The former governor also described Yari as a “detribalised and progressive Nigerian,” saying he had consistently worked to build bridges across ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.
Yarima said President Tinubu must have carefully considered Yari’s qualities and competence before entrusting him with the responsibility of coordinating the presidential re-election campaign.
“By entrusting the presidential re-election campaign to him, President Tinubu must have analysed and appreciated the qualities and competence of Senator Yari,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Yari would deploy human and material resources toward organising the campaign, while also pledging to work with him to mobilise broad-based support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“Having known and worked with him for decades, it is easier for all of us to work with Senator Abdulaziz Yari in the 2027 APC campaign council to deliver victory for President Tinubu and our great party,” Yarima said.
Yarima further said Yari’s “meticulousness, unparalleled energy and team spirit” would be important in organising and leading the campaign, as preparations continue for the 2027 presidential election.