BIRNIN KEBBI, NIGERIA — The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has defended President Bola Tinubu over the persistent insecurity in the country.
Yari said Nigerians should consider that former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired Army general, also struggled to eliminate the problem. He made the remark on Monday during a visit to Kebbi State.
Defending the President
Yari spoke at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace in Birnin Kebbi. He met with Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers, and other APC leaders.
“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.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023. He was a retired major general in the Nigerian Army. His administration faced persistent security challenges, including Boko Haram’s insurgency and banditry.
Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. He has also faced criticism over continuing attacks and kidnappings. But Yari argued that the challenges should not be viewed as the current president’s responsibility alone.
Yari also urged Nigerians to reflect on their relationship with God. He suggested that addressing insecurity requires collective responsibility.
Commending Governor Idris
Yari commended Governor Idris and other party leaders for mobilising support for the APC. He expressed appreciation to the governor for bringing traditional rulers together.
“We are leading the campaign for the President’s re-election and other candidates of our party. We appreciate you for bringing the emirs together under one umbrella at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace,” Yari said.
He said the campaign council would work with individuals and groups willing to support Tinubu’s re-election. He also expressed confidence in the party’s chances in Kebbi State.
Economic Challenges
On the economy, Yari acknowledged that Nigerians were experiencing hardship. But he argued that the challenges were not peculiar to Nigeria.
He claimed that inflation had declined and fertiliser prices had reduced. He said the Federal Government was implementing cash transfers to vulnerable households.
According to Yari, the measures were intended to strengthen the economy and improve living conditions.
He also pointed to challenges facing other countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia. He argued that governments around the world continued to grapple with national concerns.
Governor Idris’s Response
Governor Idris welcomed the APC delegation. He expressed satisfaction with the gathering of party leaders and traditional rulers.
He said the emirs had come together to demonstrate solidarity with the delegation. He also maintained that Kebbi State had benefited from projects undertaken by the Federal Government.
“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.
What This Means
Yari’s comments highlight the APC’s strategy of defending the President’s record on security. The party is comparing Tinubu’s efforts to those of his predecessor.
The remarks also underscore the challenges facing the government. Insecurity remains a major concern for Nigerians.
What Happens Next
The APC will continue its campaign across the country. The party aims to secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
For now, the focus is on mobilising support and defending the administration’s record. The coming months will reveal whether the strategy will succeed.
