The vice-presidential candidate toof the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged former Zamfara State Governor Abdul’aziz Yari to reconsider his decision to serve as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso made the appeal in a statement on Sunday while reacting to the composition of the APC’s newly constituted 2027 campaign council.
The council is headed by President Bola Tinubu.
Kwankwaso questioned why Yari would agree to lead a campaign seeking to retain the current administration despite what he described as worsening insecurity, poverty, unemployment and economic hardship.
He said Yari, as a former governor and prominent North-West politician, understood the devastating impact of insecurity and poverty on communities in the region.
The former Kano governor therefore urged Yari to reconsider his decision to lead Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Kwankwaso said it would be difficult to explain why Yari would campaign for the continuation of an administration under which many Nigerians, particularly those in the North-West, continue to face serious economic and security challenges.
The APC recently announced its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, with Tinubu as chairman.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda were named vice-chairmen, while Yari was appointed Director-General and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma became secretary.
Kwankwaso described the council as a reflection of the choice Nigerians would face in the 2027 election.
He asked voters to decide between continuing with the current political system or choosing what he described as a fresh direction.
The former Kano governor also criticised the involvement of senior government officials in the campaign’s fundraising and financial structures.
He specifically cited Nigeria Revenue Service Executive Chairman Zacheus Adedeji, who was appointed Deputy Director of Fundraising.
He also mentioned Budget Office Director-General Tanimu Yakubu, listed as Secretary, Finance/Treasurer.
Kwankwaso argued that the involvement of officials responsible for public revenue and national finances in partisan campaign structures could raise concerns over institutional neutrality.
He called on the APC and the Federal Government to explain how the arrangement is consistent with the responsibilities of the affected public institutions.
Kwankwaso, however, stressed that no political campaign council could be more powerful than the Nigerian electorate.
