Alhaji Sani Yusuf Yabagi, the National Chairman of the Action Development Party (ADP), warned that the presence of most northern governors in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) does not guarantee President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election. He cited the 2015 election, when governors of the North opposed then-President Goodluck Jonathan, as evidence that governor affiliation does not dictate electoral outcomes.
In a Sunday Sun interview, Yabagi criticised the proposal to establish a state police force, arguing that giving governors coercive powers could “lead to the breakup of the country.” He also said a president should be able to travel internationally and attend important meetings, implying that such restrictions would undermine national leadership.
Yabagi outlined the key themes he believes should dominate the 2027 campaign. He said the economy is “not working for the people” and that macro‑economic metrics such as GDP and foreign reserves are “useless to Nigerians battling hunger.” He stressed that the focus must be on practical issues: insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and the strength of the Naira. He highlighted the oil and gas sector’s role in revenue generation and the need to curb leakages and theft.
He added that without sufficient revenue, the government cannot adequately fund security agencies or create formal employment opportunities, which in turn fuels the underground economy and terrorism. “The issue is not whether someone has a certificate, but whether he can feed himself and live with security,” Yabagi said.
When asked about the APC’s claims that President Tinubu has fulfilled his campaign promises, Yabagi replied that the opposition would not hear any contrary evidence because “they would not like to be honest if it does not earn them votes.” He noted that the 2027 election is already underway and that campaigns are already in motion.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
