APC Councillors Reject Smear Campaign Against Yari

The Nigeria Progressive Councillors Forum (NPCF), representing councillors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country, has threatened to review its loyalty and support structures within the ruling party if what it described as a sustained smear campaign against former Zamfara State Governor and senator representing Zamfara West, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, is not halted.

The position was contained in a resolution adopted at the Northwest Zonal Quarterly Meeting held in Kano under the leadership of its national president, Hon. Muslihu Yusuf Ali.

According to the forum, which said it represents 10,378 APC councillors nationwide, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should direct federal anti-corruption and security agencies to discontinue actions based on what it termed “spurious and politically motivated petitions” against the former governor.

In a statement copied to President Tinubu, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the APC national chairman, the councillors condemned what they described as coordinated media attacks aimed at tarnishing Yari’s image.

The forum specifically dismissed allegations linking the senator to the 11 June 2026 seizure of ₦4.4 billion worth of raw gold at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, noting that the EFCC had publicly identified the suspects involved and that none was linked to Yari.

The councillors also rejected claims that the former governor was sponsoring anti-government protests or funding opposition political activities.

The NPCF praised Yari’s record in public office, citing his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State and as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. It highlighted several achievements under his administration, including the introduction of an amnesty and dialogue programme, the construction of infrastructure, the establishment of tertiary institutions, the creation of the state-owned university in Gusau, and efforts to attract foreign investment.

The forum further accused some unnamed political actors in the Northwest of orchestrating campaigns against the senator after failing to secure governorship tickets, alleging that they were using public offices to intimidate and blackmail him.

It warned that such actions could undermine party unity and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

While reaffirming its support for President Tinubu and the APC-led Federal Government, the forum said it would not remain silent if one of the party’s prominent stakeholders continued to face what it called unjust persecution.

NPCF reaffirms its commitment to the Renewed Hope Administration. However, if the government fails to halt these baseless allegations, weaponised intimidation and media blackmail against Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, we will review our party loyalty and support structures,” the statement said.

The forum urged party leaders and stakeholders to work towards strengthening unity within the APC and to avoid actions that could create divisions ahead of future political engagements.