The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, has sought royal blessings for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the party would retain Kwara State.
Yari spoke during consultative visits to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as part of the council’s nationwide engagement with traditional rulers ahead of the elections.
A statement from Yari’s media office, made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, said the visits were aimed at deepening ties with traditional institutions, promoting mutual understanding and seeking royal leaders’ prayers, blessings and guidance as the council continues its nationwide consultations.
The statement read in part, “The delegation made it clear that it was not seeking political endorsement or mobilisation support, but rather the prayers and blessings of the royal fathers, underscoring the moral and spiritual anchorage traditional rulers provide in the nation’s political process.
“The Director-General and his entourage departed from the private wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following an early-morning assembly of stakeholders, with departure scheduled for 11 am prompt.
“The delegation first paid a visit to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, in Kwara State, before proceeding to Ile-Ife, Osun State, where it paid homage to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
“At the Ilorin palace, leaders reaffirmed confidence in the party’s strong footing in the state. Citing progress recorded since 2019—including the resolution of past challenges in education and healthcare delivery, the establishment of new hospitals, and far-reaching reforms—the leaders expressed optimism about consolidating the party’s dominance in Kwara State, which they estimated at 70 per cent against the opposition’s 30 per cent.
“The leaders further noted that the campaign would leverage Kwara’s projected strength, alongside the Governor’s role as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, to extend its influence nationally.
“The royal visits mark the formal commencement of a nationwide consultative tour to traditional and political leaders across the country, building consensus and gathering blessings ahead of key campaign activities leading up to 16th January 2027, a significant date in the electoral calendar.
“The council noted that the consultative visits underscore its recognition of the pivotal role traditional rulers play in promoting peace, unity and stability across the country, and reaffirmed its commitment to carrying all stakeholders along in the build-up to the elections.”
Yari was joined by the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; former national chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari.
Other members of the delegation were Adamu Aliero, Ali Modu Sheriff, Rochas Okorocha, Ahmad Sani Yarima, Mohammed Badaru and Danjuma Goje, who previously served as governors of Kebbi, Borno, Imo, Zamfara, Jigawa and Gombe states, respectively.
The delegation also included former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.
Ahead of the official launch of the APC’s 2027 presidential campaign in Kaduna State on October 24, Yari has been engaging key stakeholders.
Yari, accompanied by other APC leaders, has visited religious and traditional leaders across the country to seek their support for Tinubu’s re-election in January 2027.