Strong indications have emerged that Bola Tinubu is weighing the appointment of former Zamfara State governor, Abdul-Aziz Yari, as Director-General of his 2027 presidential re-election campaign.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that the president had hinted at the possibility weeks ago, a signal that insiders believe may have triggered a wave of recent criticisms targeting the Zamfara West senator.
According to a high-level source, Tinubu is said to be confident in Yari’s political capacity and loyalty, particularly following his unsuccessful bid for Senate President. The president reportedly views him as a dependable ally capable of steering a complex national campaign.
Yari, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, is also considered strategically valuable due to his roots in the North-west geopolitical zone—widely regarded as a critical voting bloc in Nigerian elections.
“The president is very comfortable with Senator Yari,” the source disclosed. “He trusts him completely and believes he has both the loyalty and competence to deliver results. In both the North and the Senate, Yari is seen as one of his closest confidants.”
The source further noted that Tinubu distinguishes between superficial loyalty and genuine commitment, adding that Yari has consistently demonstrated the latter through unwavering support for the administration.
Political observers suggest that Yari’s potential appointment could help the president navigate anticipated challenges in the North, where economic concerns and opposition dynamics may shape voter sentiment ahead of 2027.
There are also indications that the move may serve as a strategic balance to the president’s 2023 campaign structure, which featured Simon Lalong from the North-central as campaign DG. With the North-west expected to play a decisive role, insiders believe Tinubu is recalibrating his political machinery.
Despite backing Godswill Akpabio for Senate President in 2023, Yari has remained a steadfast supporter of the administration, reinforcing his standing within the president’s inner circle.
Meanwhile, allies of the former governor have welcomed the development, describing the growing rapport between Tinubu and Yari as a partnership between “seasoned politicians with shared goals.”
As the 2027 election cycle gradually takes shape, all eyes remain on the presidency for an official announcement that could redefine the political landscape in the months ahead.