Senator Abdulaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, has come under sustained criticism following his appointment and acceptance of the position of Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Among those criticising Yari is his long-time political rival, Senator Kabiru Marafa, who is now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a short video circulated on social media obtained by The News Chronicle, Marafa questioned Yari’s decision to accept the position, suggesting that the former Zamfara governor may not have adequately considered the plight of Nigerians facing economic hardship and poverty.
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also joined the growing criticism, reportedly appealing to Yari to reconsider his decision and reflect on the hardship being experienced by Nigerians.
The appointment has also reportedly generated concerns within political circles surrounding the leadership of the National Assembly.
Associates of Senate President Godswill Akpabio were said to have expressed dissatisfaction over the development, arguing that the appointment placed Akpabio in a position subordinate to Yari within the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
The development is particularly significant given the political history between the two lawmakers. Yari, who currently represents Zamfara West in the Senate, was one of Akpabio’s major challengers during the contest for the Senate Presidency in 2023.
Despite the criticism and political reactions trailing his appointment, Yari’s emergence as Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council has further highlighted the political manoeuvring and emerging power blocs ahead of the 2027 general election.
