By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, has visited traditional rulers in Kwara and Osun states to seek royal blessings for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the January 16, 2027, election activities. The visits form part of a nationwide consultation with traditional and political leaders.
Yari Leads APC Delegation to Traditional Rulers
Yari led a delegation of APC leaders to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
According to a statement from Yari’s media office, the visits aimed to strengthen relations with traditional institutions. The delegation also sought prayers, blessings and guidance from the royal fathers.
However, the statement clarified that the APC leaders did not seek political endorsements or mobilisation support from the traditional rulers.
Instead, the council acknowledged the traditional institutions’ roles in promoting peace, unity and national stability.
Prominent APC Leaders Join Nationwide Consultation
Several prominent APC figures accompanied Yari during the visits.
They included the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and former national chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Bello Masari also joined the delegation.
Other members included former governors Adamu Aliero, Ali Modu Sheriff, Rochas Okorocha, Ahmad Sani Yarima, Mohammed Badaru and Danjuma Goje.
The delegation also featured former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole.
The council said the consultations would continue across the country as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
APC Expresses Confidence in Kwara State
During the visit to the Emir of Ilorin, APC leaders expressed confidence in the party’s political position in Kwara State.
They highlighted developments in education and healthcare since 2019, including the establishment of new hospitals and reforms in public services.
The delegation estimated the APC’s political strength in Kwara at 70 per cent, compared with 30 per cent for the opposition.
However, the statement did not provide independent evidence to support those estimates.
The leaders expressed optimism about maintaining the party’s influence in the state ahead of the next general elections.
APC Prepares for 2027 Presidential Campaign
The consultations come ahead of the APC’s planned presidential campaign activities in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026.
Yari and other party leaders have been engaging political stakeholders and traditional institutions as preparations gather pace.
The council said its nationwide consultations would encourage dialogue and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.
It also recognised traditional rulers as important partners in promoting peaceful political participation.
Meanwhile, the APC continues to prepare for the 2027 elections as political parties and their leaders intensify consultations across Nigeria.
