2027: Why Yari’s ‘APC till 2031’ claim rattled opposition
Yari’s “APC Till 2031” Claim Spurs Reaction from Opposition
By Luminous Jannamike
Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, recently appointed Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council, has stirred political discourse with his assertion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will remain in power beyond 2031. Upon returning to Abuja from an overseas trip, Yari, in comments made at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, projected a long-term dominance for the ruling party, indicating that it would continue to lead beyond Tinubu’s potential second term.
While declarations of re-election prospects are not uncommon among campaign officials, Yari’s statements suggest a broader ambition: to establish the APC as the preeminent political force in Nigeria for the foreseeable future. This outlook has not gone unnoticed, provoking swift pushback from opposition parties.
Yari’s remarks raise critical questions about the implications of such a claim in a political landscape where perceptions of strength can significantly influence dynamics before votes are cast. His confidence signals not just a belief in a successful re-election but a strategic positioning of the APC as an unwavering entity on the political scene.
Opposition parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), did not simply regard Yari’s comments as typical campaign bravado. PDP National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed advised Yari to focus on fulfilling his current role rather than projecting scenarios beyond 2027. He emphasized that the opposition had not conceded power to the APC and sought to challenge the narrative of inevitable victory for the ruling party.
The ADC took a more aggressive stance, criticizing Yari fiercely while questioning the legitimacy of the APC’s confidence. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi suggested that Yari’s statements were an attempt to rationalize his new role. He invoked the PDP’s prior assertion of longevity in power to challenge the APC’s narrative, framing the ruling party as an amalgamation of political interests rather than a cohesive political force.
APC’s internal dynamics bolster its campaign efforts. Tinubu leads the campaign council with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as vice-chairmen, alongside Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as secretary. This structure, combining the presidency and party leadership, aims to strengthen the ruling party’s message and reassure its supporters about its electoral viability.
However, the opposition’s vigorous responses indicate underlying vulnerabilities. The promptness of their reactions reflects a collective understanding of the potential consequences of allowing the APC’s narrative to go unchallenged. Politicians often calculate their strategies based on prevailing perceptions, making it crucial for the opposition to counter claims of inevitability with their own compelling proposition.
Political history in Nigeria suggests that declarations of enduring dominance should be approached with caution. The PDP once confidently claimed it would govern for decades, only to face changes in political realities. Opponents must remain vigilant and articulate their own narratives effectively, as mere denial of APC’s strength does not equal political resilience.
As the dialogue surrounding Yari’s comments evolves, the 2027 electoral contest appears to be shaping up as much about managing perceptions as it is about policies and voter engagement. Both APC and the opposition are engaged in a preliminary struggle over who defines the political landscape, a contest that will have lasting implications for the upcoming elections.
The outcomes of these dynamics will ultimately be determined by the electorate, but the ongoing battle for narrative control has already begun.
