Critics Fear Yari’s Influence In North— Group

A socio-political group, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River (BRAC) Coastal Aborigines, has alleged that recent criticisms and what it described as sponsored blackmail campaigns against former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, stemmed from fears over his growing political influence in Northern Nigeria.

The group said Yari’s unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and his ability to mobilise support across the North had unsettled political opponents and opposition elements.

In a statement made available to journalists yesterday, the national coordinator of the group, Doris McDaniels, said attacks on him lacked substance and were driven by desperation.

According to her, Yari has consistently maintained that Tinubu should be allowed to complete the mandate Nigerians gave him, adding that he has remained committed to that position despite political pressure and media criticism.

McDaniels said Yari’s alliance with the President had evolved beyond speculation and was gradually shaping political calculations ahead of future elections.

She claimed that some disgruntled political actors had aligned with opposition forces because of concerns over Yari’s capacity to rally Northern voters in support of Tinubu.

“The recent criticism and sponsored blackmail campaigns against Senator Abdul’aziz Yari reveal more desperation than substance. Yari’s position has remained clear and consistent: President Tinubu should be allowed to complete the mandate entrusted to him by Nigerians,” she said.

The group argued that a united Northern political front could significantly alter the country’s political landscape, insisting that Yari remained a key figure in consolidating support for the President in the region.

McDaniels further maintained that attempts to weaken Yari’s influence would not succeed, describing him as a strategic political leader whose impact in the North continues to grow.

She added that political developments in the coming months would demonstrate the strength of the alliance between Yari and Tinubu.

The statement, however, did not provide specific details of the alleged blackmail campaigns or identify the individuals and groups behind them.