A political drama occurred on Wednesday in Gusau, Zamfara State, when supporters who gathered for a solidarity walk organised in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign were heard chanting the name of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar instead of Tinubu.
The incident happened during the solidarity event organised to show support for Tinubu and celebrate the appointment of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, as Director-General of the President’s Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.
A video from the event showed a large section of the crowd chanting in support of Atiku as the gathering continued. The development quickly drew attention because the event was organised by groups backing Tinubu’s return to office in 2027.
The solidarity walk was held in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, by the A.A. Yari Political Organisation in partnership with the Shehu Movement Organisation and the Yari 774 Initiative for Asiwaju 2027.
The organisers said Yari’s appointment to lead the presidential campaign would strengthen the All Progressives Congress and improve its chances in the 2027 elections. They also expressed confidence that his political experience and influence would help mobilise support for Tinubu across the state and beyond.
Despite the chants heard from some members of the crowd, the Zamfara APC leadership maintained its support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The state APC Chairman, Kabiru Moyi Birnin Magaji, said the party was confident that Tinubu would secure strong support from voters in Zamfara during the 2027 presidential election.
He also pointed to the gathering as part of the activities being carried out by supporters of the President ahead of the next general election.
Tinubu recently constituted his Presidential Campaign Council as part of preparations for the 2027 election and appointed Yari as its Director-General.
Yari, who previously served as Zamfara governor, is expected to play a major role in coordinating campaign activities and mobilising political support for Tinubu as the election approaches.
The unexpected chants at the Zamfara gathering have, however, added a fresh talking point to the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, particularly as Atiku remains one of the leading opposition figures seeking support for the election.