Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, arguing that the problem cannot be attributed to the current administration alone.
Yari made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Kebbi State, where he met Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers and other APC leaders in Birnin Kebbi.
In his comments, the APC chieftain referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari’s military background, arguing that even a retired Army general had been unable to eliminate insecurity during his time in office.
“If Buhari, a retired general, could not wipe out insecurity, what do you expect of President Tinubu?” Yari’s remarks were reported as part of his defence of the current administration’s handling of the security situation.
The argument reflects the position of some government supporters that Nigeria’s security crisis is deeply rooted and cannot be resolved within a short period or attributed to one administration.
However, the comparison has also raised questions about the responsibilities of successive governments to protect citizens and demonstrate measurable progress in addressing violence and criminal activity.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and violent attacks in different parts of the country. These challenges have affected communities, disrupted economic activities and heightened public concern over the safety of lives and property.
While Buhari’s military career is relevant to Yari’s argument, military experience alone does not determine a government’s ability to address insecurity. Effective security management also depends on intelligence gathering, operational coordination, law enforcement, justice delivery and broader efforts to address the conditions that enable criminal networks to operate.
Tinubu’s administration has made security a central part of its national agenda, but the effectiveness of its response remains a subject of public debate.
Yari’s comments also come as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, when the government’s record on security, the economy and other national issues is likely to feature prominently in political campaigns.
Ultimately, voters will assess the administration’s performance against its commitments and the security conditions experienced by communities across the country.