A political drama unfolded in Gusau, Zamfara State, during a solidarity procession organised to demonstrate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
The event took an unexpected turn when some members of the crowd were heard chanting “Sai Atiku,” a slogan associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, instead of expressing support for President Tinubu.
The incident was captured in a video from the gathering and has since attracted attention as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The solidarity walk was held in Gusau to celebrate Tinubu’s appointment of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, as Director-General of the President’s Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.
The procession was organised by the A.A. Yari Political Organisation in conjunction with the Shehu Movement Organisation and the Yari 774 Initiative for Asiwaju 2027.
The organisers described Yari’s appointment as a significant development that would strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress and improve its chances in the forthcoming election.
APC Promises Massive Support for Tinubu
Speaking at the event, Zamfara State APC Chairman, Kabiru Moyi Birnin Magaji, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would receive substantial support from voters across the state in 2027.
He maintained that the party was prepared to mobilise its supporters and work towards securing victory for the President during the presidential election.
The rally attracted APC members and supporters who participated in the procession from the Trade Fair Complex to the Zamfara State Government House.
Despite the stated purpose of the gathering, the reported “Sai Atiku” chant created a moment of political embarrassment and raised questions about the loyalties of some individuals within the crowd.
Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, is expected to be one of the major opposition figures seeking to challenge the APC in the 2027 presidential contest.
Yari Takes Campaign Leadership Role
President Tinubu recently announced the formation of his Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 election, with Yari appointed to coordinate the campaign as Director-General.
Yari, who previously served as governor of Zamfara State and senator, is a prominent political figure in the region and is expected to play an important role in the APC’s campaign strategy.
The ruling party has positioned his appointment as part of its preparations to build a strong campaign structure ahead of the presidential election.
The Zamfara event therefore combined a show of support for Tinubu with recognition of Yari’s new campaign role, although the unexpected chant of Atiku’s name became the major talking point from the gathering.
The development comes as political parties and their supporters increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, with Zamfara expected to remain an important battleground in the contest.
