By DAYO ADESULU
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and ex-governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, has declared that the North will support Tinubu in 2027, insisting that the region has a moral and political obligation to reciprocate the support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave to the North in previous election cycles.
Senator Yari made the declaration on Sunday in Oyo State during his installation as Obaloyin of Yorubaland, a chieftaincy title conferred on him by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade. The event drew political leaders, traditional rulers, party loyalists, and cultural stakeholders from across the country.
According to Yari, the relationship between the North and the South-West, particularly President Tinubu’s role in northern political victories, makes northern support in 2027 not only expected but inevitable.
Yari Credits Tinubu for Buhari’s Electoral Success
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Yari recalled President Tinubu’s pivotal role in the electoral victories of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, especially during the 2019 presidential election.
He stated that without Tinubu’s political structure, financial backing, and strategic planning, Buhari’s path to victory would have been significantly more difficult.
“The message is very clear. The South-West stood by the North despite all odds; now it is time for us to pay back, and we will do so,” Yari said.
The former Zamfara governor stressed that Tinubu honoured his political commitments to the North and to Buhari, adding that loyalty and political consistency demand a reciprocal response.
“President Tinubu fulfilled his promise to former President Buhari. He campaigned in 2019, and God, in His infinite mercy, granted the late president victory,” he noted.
‘North Has No Option but to Support Tinubu’
Doubling down on his position, Yari argued that the North has little choice but to rally behind Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing gratitude, political history, and current governance efforts.
“Some of us know that without President Tinubu’s plans, financial and other support, the North’s dream of ruling through Buhari might not have been realised,” he said.
He went further to assert that Tinubu played a decisive role even in Buhari’s initial rise to power in 2015.
“The dream of President Buhari to become president in 2015 was fully architected, designed, and financed by Tinubu,” Yari claimed.
According to him, this historical reality underpins why the North will support Tinubu in 2027, both for a first and second term.
Praise for Tinubu’s Governance So Far
While acknowledging that Tinubu’s administration faces economic and social challenges, Yari maintained that early signs of reform and policy direction justify continued support.
“We have started seeing what he is doing, and we pray for his success and a better Nigeria during his reign,” he said.
He urged Nigerians, especially political leaders, to prioritise national unity over partisan divisions, arguing that sustained cooperation between regions remains essential for stability and development.
Chieftaincy Title Strengthens North–South-West Alliance
Senator Yari described his installation as Obaloyin of Yorubaland as more than a ceremonial honour, calling it a symbol of unity and shared responsibility between regions.
“With this chieftaincy title, we are sons of this place, and we will do our best to promote the cultural values of this institution wherever we find ourselves,” he stated.
He also pledged to serve as a bridge between the North-West, North-Central, North-East, and South-West, promising to deepen political, cultural, and developmental cooperation.
“Let me assure Yorubaland that this is your ambassador. I will personally ensure that the North-West, North-Central, North-East, and South-West unite and cement this relationship,” Yari added.
Seyi Tinubu Also Honoured at Ceremony
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, was also honoured at the event. He was installed as Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin, a title that underscores youth leadership, service, and community engagement.
Observers noted that the dual honours conferred on Senator Yari and Seyi Tinubu reinforced the symbolic and political significance of the event, particularly amid growing discussions around the 2027 general elections.
Role and Responsibilities of Obaloyin of Yorubaland
The title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland comes with defined responsibilities, including serving as an ambassador of Yorubaland within Nigeria and internationally. The holder is expected to promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and development partnerships between Yoruba communities and other regions.
Additionally, the Obaloyin advises traditional institutions on matters of national unity, legislative development, and public policies affecting the welfare of the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.
The role also requires the promotion of education, economic development, and social welfare initiatives, while upholding the dignity, honour, and traditions associated with the sacred title.
Political Signals Ahead of 2027
Yari’s comments are being widely interpreted as an early political signal ahead of the 2027 presidential election. While formal campaigns remain distant, statements such as this reflect ongoing realignments and efforts to consolidate regional alliances.
As debates over governance, economic reform, and national cohesion continue, declarations that the North will support Tinubu in 2027 are expected to shape political discourse in the months ahead.
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