By Saminu Ibrahim
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares to flag off its campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24, 2026, attention is increasingly focused on the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator AbdulAziz Abubakar Yari, the Marafan Sokoto.
With the presidential campaign gathering momentum, political stakeholders and associates of the former Zamfara State governor are expressing confidence in his ability to provide the leadership, coordination and strategic direction required to deliver a successful campaign.
Specifically, they believe that the Kaduna flag-off will not only set the tone for the APC’s presidential campaign but also establish a strong foundation for subsequent campaign activities across the country.
For Yari, the assignment represents another significant opportunity to deploy his extensive political experience, established networks and grassroots connections in support of President Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.
Representing Zamfara West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, Yari is widely regarded within the APC as one of the influential political figures in the North-West geopolitical zone. His political profile, built over several decades, has positioned him as a prominent figure in the party’s efforts to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
His appointment as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council has therefore drawn attention to the political experience, organisational capacity and stakeholder relationships he brings to the assignment.
Historically, Yari’s political journey dates back to 1999, when he became actively involved in Nigeria’s democratic process following the country’s return to civil rule.
Over the years, he has occupied different political positions, including party leadership roles, membership of the National Assembly and two terms as governor of Zamfara State.
Expectedly, these experiences have given him exposure to different dimensions of Nigeria’s political system, from party organisation and grassroots mobilisation to legislative deliberations, executive administration and intergovernmental relations.
Additionally, his eight-year tenure as governor of Zamfara State, in particular, provided him with opportunities to build relationships with political leaders, traditional institutions, community stakeholders and party structures within and beyond the North-West.
His subsequent legislative experience in both chambers of the National Assembly further broadened his political reach and strengthened his understanding of the country’s political dynamics.
For a presidential campaign that requires effective coordination across geopolitical zones, states, local government areas and diverse interest groups, such experience could prove valuable.
Presidential campaigns are complex undertakings that demand more than public rallies and political speeches. They require effective coordination among party leaders, elected officials, campaign organisations, grassroots mobilisers and other stakeholders whose collective efforts can influence electoral outcomes.
To this end, Yari’s supporters believe that his years in public office and party politics have equipped him with the experience necessary to manage these competing interests and build consensus around a common objective.
One of the qualities frequently attributed to Yari by his political associates is his ability to engage different categories of stakeholders and establish working relationships across political divides.
In the North-West, where political calculations often involve a combination of party loyalty, grassroots networks, traditional institutions and local interests, such relationships can be particularly important to campaign organisation.
Yari’s recent engagements with traditional rulers, clerics in parts of the country have been viewed by his associates as an indication of his determination to begin the assignment with stakeholder consultations and relationship-building.
Obviously, traditional institutions occupy an important position in many Nigerian communities, particularly in matters relating to community engagement, social cohesion and public communication.
For Yari, such consultations could form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the APC’s engagement with communities and other influential groups as the campaign progresses.
His associates also point to his political exposure and familiarity with the structures of the APC as potential advantages in coordinating the activities of party leaders and supporters across the country.
Beyond his political positions, Yari has been described by associates as a pragmatic and dynamic politician with a strong capacity for teamwork and strategic engagement.
To corroborate this assertion, a former governor from the North-West, who spoke about his political disposition, described him as a shrewd and dynamic politician prepared to commit his energy, intellect, time and resources to achieving clearly defined objectives.
The description reflects the confidence some political stakeholders have in Yari’s ability to approach the campaign assignment with determination and a clear sense of purpose.
Others have characterised him as a detribalised and progressive Nigerian, citing what they describe as his willingness to build relationships across ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.
In a country as diverse as Nigeria, where political parties must navigate a wide range of interests and expectations, the ability to engage people from different backgrounds can be an important asset.
A successful presidential campaign must appeal not only to established party loyalists but also to undecided voters, young people, women, professionals, community leaders and other groups whose interests may differ from one region to another.
Consequently, Yari’s perceived ability to work with diverse stakeholders could be an important consideration as the APC seeks to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional support base.
His experience in party politics may also help him navigate internal disagreements, reconcile competing ambitions and encourage cooperation among party leaders and campaign officials.
Clearly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to entrust Yari with the responsibility of directing the APC Presidential Campaign Council places considerable expectations on the senator and the wider party organisation.
The Kaduna flag-off on October 24 will provide an early opportunity for the campaign organisation to demonstrate its preparedness, mobilise party supporters and project a sense of unity and purpose.
Beyond the opening event, the broader task will involve sustaining momentum, coordinating activities across the federation and ensuring that the campaign remains responsive to the concerns of Nigerians.
The October 24 event is expected to serve as an important starting point for the APC’s wider mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
For the former Zamfara governor, it will be an opportunity to demonstrate that the experience he has accumulated through party leadership, executive administration and legislative service can be translated into effective campaign coordination.
But his political associates are optimistic that his networks, organisational skills and relationships with influential stakeholders will contribute to the success of the exercise.
They also believe that his familiarity with the political terrain, particularly in the North-West, could help the party strengthen its engagement with voters and consolidate its structures in the region.
As the APC begins this important phase of its political preparations, expectations are high among Yari’s supporters that his experience and networks will help provide the strategic direction required for the task ahead.
Saminu Ibrahim, writes from Abuja
