Former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, has said that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s rise to the presidency was made possible by the political, strategic and financial support of President Bola Tinubu.
Yari made the remark on Sunday in Oyo town during his installation as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
The ceremony also featured the installation of President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, who was conferred with the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
According to Yari, Tinubu played a critical role in Buhari’s electoral victories in 2015 and 2019, particularly through the mobilisation of political structures and resources in the South-West.
He said the support of the South-West for the North during those elections created a responsibility that must now be reciprocated.
“The message is clear. The South-West stood with the North against all odds, and it is now time to give back,” Yari said.
He added that Tinubu honoured his commitment to Buhari by actively campaigning in the 2019 elections, which he said contributed significantly to Buhari’s re-election.
Yari maintained that without Tinubu’s planning, financial backing and political strategy, Buhari’s presidential ambition might not have been realised.
He further described Buhari’s 2015 victory as the outcome of a political framework conceived and driven by Tinubu.
The senator said the North therefore had a moral duty to support Tinubu’s leadership, expressing confidence in the direction of the current administration.
According to him, early indicators of governance under Tinubu have been positive, and he expressed hope for greater national progress during the president’s tenure.
On his newly conferred traditional title, Yari pledged to promote unity and deepen ties between the North and the South-West.
He said the honour made him a son of Yorubaland and committed him to upholding its cultural values while serving as a bridge between the regions.
Yari assured that he would work to strengthen relationships among the North-West, North-Central, North-East and South-West in the interest of national cohesion.
