Yari Defends Tinubu Over Insecurity, Cites Buhari’s Failure to End Crisis

Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over persistent insecurity, arguing that former President Muhammadu Buhari could not completely eliminate the threat despite being a retired Army general.

Yari made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Kebbi State, where he met with Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers and APC leaders in Birnin Kebbi as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“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?” he asked.

He, however, maintained that Tinubu had made considerable efforts to address the security challenges confronting the country.

Yari acknowledged that insecurity remained a major national concern but argued that the problem could not be blamed solely on the current administration, recalling that Buhari also faced similar challenges throughout his eight-year tenure.

He further urged Nigerians to reflect on their relationship with God, saying that tackling insecurity required collective responsibility alongside government interventions.

The APC campaign chief also commended Governor Idris and other party leaders in Kebbi for mobilising support for Tinubu and the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the campaign council was prepared to work with individuals and groups committed to Tinubu’s re-election, irrespective of their positions, to achieve the party’s objectives.

Yari expressed confidence in the APC’s electoral prospects in Kebbi, citing the support demonstrated by political leaders and traditional rulers during his visit.

On the economy, he acknowledged the hardship facing Nigerians but argued that the challenges were not peculiar to the country, noting that other nations, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, were also grappling with various economic and national concerns.

He claimed that inflation had declined and fertiliser prices had reduced, while the Federal Government was implementing measures, including cash transfers to vulnerable households, to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

According to him, the interventions were designed to strengthen the economy and improve citizens’ living conditions.

Yari urged Nigerians to recognise the administration’s efforts and support its development agenda.

In his remarks, Governor Idris welcomed the APC Presidential Campaign Council delegation, describing the gathering of party leaders and traditional rulers as a demonstration of solidarity with Tinubu and the ruling party.

He said the emirs had assembled at the palace of the Emir of Gwandu to receive the delegation and demonstrate their support.

Idris also cited federal government projects in Kebbi as evidence of the benefits the state had received under Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence that the development initiatives would strengthen the President’s support base ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We have no reason not to support the President. We have prominent leaders such as Senator Atiku Bagudu, Senator Adamu Aliero and Ambassador 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 reaffirmed Kebbi State’s commitment to supporting the APC in the forthcoming general elections.