Contrary to speculations of disapproval, Abdulaziz Yari’s race for the Senate Presidency has received a significant boost.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the former governor recently visited former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina state, accompanied by a formidable team of 22 Senators-elect.
Reports indicate that Yari was warmly received by the former President, who made no comments disapproving of his guests.
Speculations had arisen due to the APC National Caucus zoning template, ratified by the party’s national leadership, which designated the offices of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President for the South-South and North West regions, respectively.
The favoured candidates were announced as former Akwa-Ibom State Governor and Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom North West, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator representing Kano North, Barau Jibrin.
Nonetheless, Yari remains determined to contest the election, claiming that the zoning arrangement violates the Federal Character Principle enshrined in the country’s Constitution. He also argues that the North is at risk of being disadvantaged in power distribution during the Tinubu Presidency.
The 22 senators-elect who joined Yari in Daura to extend their congratulations to the former President came from diverse political parties and represented the six geopolitical zones of the country. This united front has bolstered the call for Yari’s Senate Presidency.
Sources present at the meeting, including an APC leader, disclosed that Yari was warmly received, and the discussions were lively. The visiting team assured the former President that their intentions were not confrontational but focused on strengthening the legislative arm of government.
The purpose of Yari’s visit, as conveyed to President Buhari, was to congratulate him on the successful completion of his tenure and pray for his good health. Yari’s team emphasised their commitment to fostering a harmonious legislative-executive relationship under the new administration. They reiterated that their objective was not to oppose the executive but to strengthen the legislative arm of government.
According to a reliable source, “Senator Yari came with over 20 Senators-elect to visit President Buhari, congratulating him on his successful tenure in office and wishing him good health. This gesture demonstrates Yari’s humility, reverence, and respect for elders—an embodiment of true statesmanship and leadership.”
The former President, in response, expressed gratitude for the visit and encouraged the group to collaborate with the executive for the betterment of all Nigerians. He even joked, requesting them to inform the public of his good health.
This newspaper understands that Yari enjoys substantial support from the majority of the Senators-elect and ranking legislators within the APC and other parties.
This support positions him favourably ahead of the parliamentary proclamation, during which the Senators-elect will democratically elect a Senate President by a majority vote.
