The APC campaign chief argues that insecurity cannot be blamed solely on Tinubu, citing Buhari’s inability to completely end the crisis despite being a retired general.
Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari has defended President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, arguing that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s military background did not enable him to completely end insecurity.
Yari made the argument on Monday during a visit to Kebbi State, where he met Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers and other APC leaders as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that Tinubu should not bear sole responsibility for the country’s security problems, pointing to Buhari’s experience as a retired Army general and his inability to eliminate the threat during his eight-year administration.
“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.
His remarks come amid continued concerns over kidnappings, armed attacks and other security threats across parts of the country.
While acknowledging the challenges, Yari insisted that the Tinubu administration was making efforts to address them. He also urged Nigerians to recognise the difficulties confronting governments and support efforts to tackle insecurity.
Beyond security, the APC chieftain defended the administration’s economic policies, claiming that inflation had declined and fertiliser prices had fallen.
He said the Federal Government was also implementing measures, including cash transfers to vulnerable households, to ease economic hardship.
Yari argued that the challenges facing Nigeria were not unique, citing other countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, as nations also dealing with their own problems.
However, he urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s development agenda, while calling for collective responsibility in addressing the country’s security challenges.
2027 campaign takes centre stage
The visit also served as part of the APC’s mobilisation drive ahead of the 2027 elections, with Yari commending Kebbi political leaders for their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He praised Governor Idris for bringing traditional rulers together to receive the campaign council delegation and said the council would work with individuals and groups committed to the party’s electoral objectives.
Yari expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects in Kebbi, saying the party would seek the cooperation of its members and supporters to secure victory in the next general elections.
Responding, Idris reaffirmed the state’s support for Tinubu and the APC, citing what he described as federal government projects and development initiatives in Kebbi.
“We have no reason not to support the President. We have prominent leaders such as Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Sen. Adamu Aliero and Amb. Saidu Dakingari,” the governor said.
“You have seen the people of Kebbi and their overwhelming support. We are for the APC and we are for President Tinubu,” he added.
The governor expressed confidence that Kebbi would remain supportive of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.