Insecurity should not compromise 2027 election integrity – Yari

Former Zamfara State Governor and Marafan Sokoto, Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, has called for a credible and transparent 2027 general election, saying insecurity should not be allowed to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

Yari, who spoke as chairman of the 8th edition of Blueprint Newspapers’ Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards, with the theme “Security Challenges and the Integrity of the 2027 Elections,” said the ruling party has a responsibility to demonstrate its commitment to democracy by ensuring that the election is free and fair.

“Coming from the ruling party, the signal I will send to others is that, despite the challenges of insecurity, the integrity of this election will be one of the first of its kind, by God’s grace,” he said.

Yari speaks on Osun election

Yari said he was not happy with what happened during the Osun State governorship election, but added that the development could serve as an indication of the government’s determination to ensure a credible electoral process in 2027.

“I believe strongly, and I’m talking from my heart, none of us, whether from the North-East or South-South, who would be in the position of president would allow what happened in Osun to happen. The free and fair election should show that, yes, I am a man of my word and I am a democrat,” Yari said.

He added: “Whosoever wins, so be it.”

Former governor recalls insecurity experience

Reflecting on his experience as governor of Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019, Yari said he had firsthand experience of the country’s insecurity challenges and the difficulties faced by successive administrations in addressing them.

He recalled that insecurity had also posed challenges during the 2015 general elections, the 2019 re-election of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the 2023 general elections.

According to him, insecurity is not the responsibility of government security agencies alone, stressing that politicians, political elites and ordinary citizens must all contribute to finding solutions to the problem.

“We are the security, and as well as insecurity. Leaders, people, it is not the business of our government security or security architecture only. Politicians, elites and ordinary men on the streets were all part of it,” he said.

Yari identifies security, economy as major concerns

Yari said the security situation goes beyond elections, as it directly affects the lives, economy and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He identified security and the economy as the two major issues requiring sustained attention from the Federal Government.

He acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in strengthening security, citing increased security presence and equipment, but said more collective action was needed to achieve lasting peace.

‘We should not politicise insecurity’

The former governor urged Nigerians not to politicise insecurity, saying the challenge should instead be treated as a national concern.

“We should not politicise it. When I stepped in as a governor, when this thing started, they tried as much as they can to bring politics. I told them no, it’s not politics. This thing is about our life,” he said.

Yari called on Nigerians to work together to build a safer country for present and future generations, stressing that the responsibility for Nigeria’s security rests with everyone and not only the President, Minister of Defence or security agencies.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges and remain united, urging citizens to recognise that “we don’t have any other country than Nigeria.”

He also commended the organisers of the gathering for drawing attention to issues affecting the country and prayed for divine guidance for President Tinubu and the nation.