The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have criticised former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, over his prediction that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would retain the presidency beyond 2031.
Yari, who was recently appointed Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, had expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure re-election in 2027 and that the ruling party would remain in power beyond 2031.
Reacting to the development, National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, described Yari’s comments as an empty political boast.
“We are used to such empty boasts. A party once said that they would rule Nigeria for 60 years. Where is that party today? Only small-minded politicians play god with power that belongs to God. Nigerians will speak when elections time come,” he said.
The SDP also dismissed the declaration, insisting that the ultimate decision rests with Nigerian voters.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said, “Certainly, it is not in Senator Yari’s place to make such a declaration.”
He added that recent political developments, particularly the outcome of the Osun State governorship election, showed that voters were increasingly willing to use their votes to determine political leadership.
“They will strongly make a declaration of their leadership choice with their thumbs in January 2026,” he said.
Similarly, the NNPP National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major, described Yari’s statement as unfortunate.
“If this is coming from Senator Abdulaziz Yari, then it is really unfortunate. The power to keep the APC in office till 2031 or otherwise rest with the electorates not with him,” Major said.
He added that Nigerians would assess the performance of the APC before deciding whether to renew its mandate.
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