Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, running as the vice-presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Zamfara State Governor Abdul’aziz Yari to reconsider taking up the role of Director-General for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The appeal follows the announcement of the governing party’s campaign leadership structure, which lists President Bola Tinubu as chairman, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as vice-chairmen, Yari as Director-General, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as secretary.
Kwankwaso questioned the decision of a prominent North-West figure to champion a campaign seeking to keep the incumbent administration in power. He pointed out that Yari is personally familiar with the severe security and economic challenges affecting citizens across the region.
“I particularly appeal to my brother, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, who has accepted to serve as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, to reflect deeply and reconsider accepting this responsibility,” Kwankwaso stated.
He expressed concern over how someone with first-hand knowledge of regional hardships could lead such an effort: “I therefore will be surprised if in his good conscience, will lead a campaign whose principal objective is to secure the continuation of a government under which many of the people he once governed, and other innocent Nigerians, remain trapped in these challenges?”
Kwankwaso framed the political contest as a choice between the status quo and a fresh direction. “The truth is, I see the 2027 election as a struggle between the oppressed Nigerian masses and those who have benefited from, defended and sustained the system responsible for their hardship,” he added.
The NDC candidate also highlighted ethical concerns regarding political finance structures, specifically targeting the inclusion of active public officers. He cited the naming of Zacheus Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, as Deputy Director of Fundraising, and Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, as Secretary for Finance and Treasurer.
According to Kwankwaso, placing key public revenue and budget custodians inside a partisan political setup risks institutional neutrality and undermines public confidence. He called on the Federal Government and the APC to account for how these appointments align with institutional standards.
He concluded with a reminder of where ultimate authority lies: “Ultimately, no campaign council is more powerful than the Nigerian people.”
- David Marti