"If a Retired General Couldn't End Insecurity, Don't Blame Tinubu" — Yari Defends President.

Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has come to President Bola Tinubu's defense over the country's security challenges, arguing that the President should not bear sole responsibility for the crisis.

Speaking during a visit to Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where he met with Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers, and party leaders, Yari pointed out that former President Muhammadu Buhari a retired army general did his best but could not completely eradicate insecurity during his tenure.

"If a retired general did his best but could not completely tackle insecurity, what do you expect of President Tinubu, who is not a general? Nevertheless, the President has done his utmost best to address the security challenges confronting the country," Yari said.

He acknowledged the security difficulties facing the nation but insisted the Tinubu administration was making genuine efforts to address them, while also urging Nigerians to reflect on their relationship with God, noting that tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility alongside government action.

Eyes on 2027

Yari, who is leading the campaign for Tinubu's re-election, commended Governor Idris and other APC leaders for mobilizing support for the party. He expressed confidence that their collective commitment would ensure victory for Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027.

"We are leading the campaign for the President's re-election and other candidates of our party. We appreciate you for bringing the emirs together under one umbrella at the Emir of Gwandu's palace," he said.

The campaign council, according to Yari, would work with all individuals and groups committed to Tinubu's re-election, regardless of their positions, to achieve the party's objectives.

Economy and Hardship

On the economy, Yari said the hardship Nigerians are experiencing is not unique to the country, noting that inflation had declined and fertilizer prices had dropped. He said the federal government was implementing measures to ease the burden on citizens, including cash transfers to vulnerable households.

He cited the United States and Saudi Arabia as examples of countries still grappling with various national concerns, urging Nigerians to appreciate the Tinubu administration's efforts and support its development agenda.

Kebbi Ready for APC

In his response, Governor Idris described the delegation's visit as a welcome development and expressed happiness over the gathering of APC leaders and traditional rulers to receive the team. He said the emirs came together at the palace to demonstrate solidarity and welcome the delegation.

Idris said Kebbi had benefited from federal government projects under Tinubu's administration, adding that these initiatives had strengthened the state's support for the President.

"We have no reason not to support the President. We have prominent leaders such as Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Sen. Adamu Aliero and Amb. Saidu Dakingari. You have seen the people of Kebbi and their overwhelming support. We are for the APC and we are for President Tinubu," Idris said.