2027: Orikeze-Ajumbe identifies Abdul’aziz Yari as Tinubu’s strongest presidential pillar

By Everest Ezihe, Owerri

Ahead of 2027 presidential election, Prof. Vitalis Orikeze-Ajumbe has identified Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari as one of the strongest supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition for second tenure.

Orikeze-Ajumbe who’s a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC in Imo State and Nigeria at large disclosed this in Owerri, Imo State capital on Monday while extolling the political virtues of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State and the current Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District with media executives.

According to the revered politician, “in Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, only a few political leaders have maintained relevance through unwavering commitment to public service, party administration, and effective leadership.

Among this distinguished group is Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State and the current Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District.

“His political career is a remarkable story of discipline, perseverance, and steady advancement through the ranks of party politics and public office” he insisted.

Orikeze-Ajumbe pointed out that Senator Yari began his political career with the All People’s Party (APP) at the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, informing that when the APP transformed into the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), that Yari still remained one of the party’s most committed and dependable leaders.

The APC chieftain also recalled that Yari served as the Zamfara State Secretary of the party before becoming the State Chairman, noting that his administrative competence and organizational skills later earned him the position of National Financial Secretary of the ANPP, where he contributed significantly in strengthening the party’s national structure.

“His leadership qualities and grassroots popularity paved the way for his election into the House of Representatives in 2007, representing Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency. As a federal legislator, he was known for advocating policies aimed at improving the welfare of his constituents and promoting national development.

“The defining moment of his political career came in 2011 when he was elected Governor of Zamfara State.

His administration embarked on projects aimed at improving road infrastructure, expanding educational opportunities, enhancing healthcare delivery, increasing access to potable water, and promoting rural development.

“His government also invested in agricultural development and youth empowerment while confronting the security challenges affecting the State” he attested.

Orikeze-Ajumbe further recalled that in 2013, Nigeria witnessed one of the most significant political developments in its democratic history with the merger of major opposition parties, including the ANPP, ACN, CPC, and a faction of APGA, leading to the birth of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Yari he said was among the prominent ANPP leaders who played an active role in mobilizing support for the merger and strengthening the new political platform.

Orikeze-Ajumbe noted with satisfaction that Yari’s commitments helped tremendously in consolidating the APC in Zamfara State and the North-West, which he also said, led to the party’s emergence as Nigeria’s governing party in 2015.

“His outstanding performance and leadership credentials earned him a second term as Governor in 2015 under the APC platform.

“During his tenure, he also rose to a national prominence as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), where he coordinated cooperations among the thirty-six State governors on issues relating to security, fiscal federalism, economic development, infrastructural transformation and intergovernmental relations.

“After completing two successful tenures as Governor, Senator Yari continued to play a strategic role within the APC, thus in 2023, he was elected Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources, he contributed immensely to national legislation and oversight functions, aimed at improving water infrastructure, irrigation, and sustainable management of Nigeria’s water resources”.

The APC chieftain, further observed that one of Senator Yari’s enduring political attributes is his loyalty to the party and his steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“He has consistently defended the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has urged Nigerians to support the administration’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary measures to reposition the nation’s economy and strengthen long-term national development.

“Senator Yari has also appealed to political leaders, especially in Northern Nigeria, to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration in the interest of national unity, political stability, and sustained democratic governance.

He has repeatedly emphasized that national progress requires patience, collective sacrifice, and bipartisan cooperation”.

The APC Chieftain further observed that, throughout his political career, Senator Abdulaziz Yari has earned a reputation as a grassroots mobilizer, party builder, administrator, legislator, and national leader.

“His journey from the APP to the ANPP, his contribution to the emergence and consolidation of the APC, his service as Governor, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and now as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflects a career built on resilience, consistency, and dedication to public service” he stated with optimism.

Orikeze-Ajumbe also said it point blank that, “as Nigeria continues its democratic journey, Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari remains one of the country’s most influential political leader, whose experience, leadership, and commitment to the ideals of progressive governance continue to shape political discourse and national development.

“As a senior leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdulaziz Yari has consistently expressed support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“He has publicly urged Nigerians, particularly political stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, to support the President’s reform agenda, arguing that the administration inherited significant economic and security challenges that require difficult but necessary policy decisions” he insisted.

The frontline politician further disclosed that Senator Yari has severally called on the North-West to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing such support as consistent with the principles of political balance and reciprocity within Nigeria’s democratic system.

Orikeze-Ajumbe maintained that Yari has continued to canvass for mutual cooperation between the North and the South which he insisted as a necessity for national unity, political stability, and sustainable development.

In addition, Senator Yari has repeatedly defended the Tinubu administration against allegations and misinformation, reaffirming his loyalty to the President and the APC.

The astute politician further recalled that in the recent past most of the presidential aides have described Yari as a steadfast supporter that has equally invested considerable political effoin advancing the party’s goals and the Renewed Hope Agenda.