The release of President Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council list has sparked diverse reactions. Figures like Rufai of Arise TV have suddenly developed interest in dissecting how Yari made his fortune, while others question how a former Zamfara State governor and chairman of the Geregu power plant secured such a politically sophisticated position. For me, however, his nomination shot up his prominence exponentially.

Born on January 28, 1968, Senator AbdulAziz Yari has built an impressive political career over the years. He served in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011 before becoming Governor of Zamfara State, a position he held from 2011 to 2019. During his tenure as governor, he also led the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as chairman from 2015 to 2019. Today, he represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, chairs the Senate Committee on Water Resources, holds the traditional title of Marafan Sokoto, and remains a prominent member of the APC.

As Convener of the BAT-IG, I initially had scant knowledge of Senator Yari and paid limited attention to his political pedegree. My perspective changed around September last year when I was informed that he was searching for a support group to collaborate with ahead of future political engagements. I was told that my organization stood out among similar groups because of its structure and sophistication. After verifying through a trusted source within the Tinubu support network that TSG had indeed been chosen as an umbrella platform, I simply took note and moved on.

A few weeks later, another associate contacted me with information that former local government chairmen from across the country had gathered in Abuja and wanted me to engage with them. Motivated by my commitment to promoting Asiwaju’s vision, I attended a meeting with some of the leaders on the eve of the event and discovered that Senator Yari had sponsored and accommodated them. Although I arrived at the main gathering after Senator Yari had exoted, my team had maintained a strong presence, giving me the opportunity to share my ideas and connect effectively with the participants.

At one point, I questioned whether Senator Yari might eventually position himself as a challenger to President Tinubu. However, events soon demonstrated otherwise. His efforts were clearly directed toward strengthening support for the President and preparing for the 2027 contest. One important lesson for the opposition is that serious political victories are built through early preparation. Through Senator Yari’s activities, groundwork for 2027 was already underway despite the fact that the President is the incumbent. Coordinating transportation, accommodation, and feeding for thousands of grassroots leaders in Abuja required significant planning and resources. In truth, I once considered organizing something similar because of my passion for President Tinubu’s success, but was limited by logistics to sustain such an undertaking.

Apart from these mobilization efforts, reports from different quarters have highlighted Senator Yari’s generosity and his ability to galvanize support across northern Nigeria in partnership with influential figures such as Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. His political influence has expanded beyond the North-West and North-East, reaching different parts of the country. This broad acceptance reflects years of relationship-building and service. Equally noteworthy is his involvement in the Geregu Power Plant, which demonstrates that his achievements extend beyond politics into the business world.

Over time, his residence has transformed into a bustling mini-villa, continually visited by various high-profile figures, which underscores the deep respect and affection he commands from the populace. Even when his appointment was announced, some quarters in Kwankwasiyya felt a sense of trepidation, whispering that he should reject the appointment or viewing his integration into another man’s party as sensational especially given that their own party could not manage internal crises.

Having studied and monitored his capacity since September of last year, I firmly believe in his capability to deliver the North, North-West, North-East, North-Central, and the entirety of Nigeria for Asiwaju. Together, we will secure Asiwaju’s reelection, ensuring that his exemplary work, policies, and reforms continue. When those results manifest, Nigerians will overwhelmingly demand that Asiwaju either return for another term or hand over the mantle to a worthy successor.

Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting and political social worker