APC Campaign Director-General Leads High-Powered Delegation of Political Leaders to Zaria, Emphasises National Unity, Inclusiveness and Grassroots Engagement Ahead of Kaduna Campaign Flag-Off
By Headlinenews.News
Kaduna, October 22, 2026
As preparations intensify for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has stepped up nationwide consultations with traditional rulers and influential political stakeholders.
In Kaduna State, Yari led a high-powered delegation of prominent political figures to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, in Zaria, as part of efforts to strengthen political engagement, promote national cohesion and consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The visit formed part of a broader consultative initiative designed to build relationships with traditional institutions and encourage dialogue on Nigeria’s political future, inclusive governance and national development.
The engagement comes ahead of the APC’s scheduled presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
YARI EMPHASISES NATIONAL UNITY AND INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE
During the consultations, Yari emphasised the importance of maintaining cordial relationships between political leaders and traditional institutions, recognising their influence in promoting peace, stability and national unity.
The former Zamfara State governor explained that the campaign council’s engagements with royal fathers were intended to seek their prayers, blessings and wise counsel rather than formal political endorsements.
He maintained that traditional rulers occupy an important position in Nigerian society, particularly in fostering peaceful coexistence, encouraging dialogue and providing guidance on matters affecting their communities.
According to the campaign council, consultations with traditional institutions constitute an important component of its strategy to ensure broad stakeholder participation ahead of the elections.
The engagements also highlighted the importance of political inclusion, regional balance and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
GANDUJE, OKOROCHA, BANKOLE, OTHER APC LEADERS JOIN DELEGATION
The delegation included several prominent political figures, reflecting the APC’s efforts to mobilise experienced political leaders across different regions.
Among those accompanying Yari were former Kano State Governor and former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.
Others included former Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema; former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima; Ibrahim Masari; Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua; and Lawal Abass.
The participation of political figures from different geopolitical zones underscored the campaign council’s emphasis on nationwide engagement and coalition-building.
NATIONWIDE CONSULTATIONS GATHER MOMENTUM
Yari’s visit to the Emir of Zazzau followed similar engagements with other prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The campaign delegation also visited the Emirs of Gwandu, Katsina and Daura, seeking their counsel and prayers for peaceful elections and national stability.
At the various palaces, the traditional rulers offered prayers for peace, unity and the continued development of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The consultations demonstrate the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s intention to engage traditional and political stakeholders across the country before intensifying its electoral mobilisation activities.
KADUNA CAMPAIGN FLAG-OFF DRAWS NEAR
The consultations come as preparations gather momentum for President Tinubu’s scheduled campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.
Yari had earlier disclosed that the President approved the campaign council’s proposed programme of nationwide engagements, with Port Harcourt and Maiduguri identified among the subsequent campaign destinations.
The APC is expected to highlight the administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure investments, education financing initiatives and efforts to strengthen national institutions as central components of its re-election message.
While the ruling party maintains that President Tinubu’s performance provides a credible foundation for another mandate, opposition parties are expected to challenge the administration’s record on economic hardship, insecurity and the cost of living.
The growing political activity underscores the importance of substantive debate, peaceful campaigning and informed electoral choices.
TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND NIGERIA’S DEMOCRATIC FUTURE
Although traditional rulers are expected to maintain political neutrality, their influence in promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence and community development remains significant.
The APC campaign council has emphasised that its consultations are not requests for partisan endorsements but opportunities to strengthen understanding and seek guidance from respected traditional authorities.
Political observers regard such engagements as part of the broader process of building relationships and encouraging participation ahead of major national elections.
For the APC, Yari’s continuing consultations represent an important organisational effort to strengthen its nationwide campaign structures and promote President Tinubu’s re-election agenda.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the effectiveness of these consultations will ultimately be measured by their contribution to peaceful political participation, national cohesion and meaningful engagement with the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
The National Patriots commend Senator Abdulaziz Yari’s strategic consultations with traditional rulers ahead of President Tinubu’s re-election campaign. His inclusive approach demonstrates political maturity, respect for traditional institutions and commitment to national unity. Such engagements strengthen grassroots confidence and encourage peaceful democratic participation. We urge all stakeholders to prioritise national development, stability and credible leadership as Nigeria approaches 2027.
