APC Will Rule Nigeria Beyond 2031 — Yari Declares

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, has expressed confidence that the ruling party will retain power beyond the 2031 general elections.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, made the declaration while speaking to supporters in Abuja following his return from an overseas trip. He also predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure re-election in 2027.

Yari Confident of Tinubu’s 2027 Victory

According to Yari, the APC has built sufficient political strength to overcome opposition efforts aimed at defeating Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

His comments come shortly after the APC unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, with Tinubu at the centre of the campaign structure.

The APC's confidence is also being strengthened by significant political realignments and defections that have expanded the party's influence across several states.

Opposition Rejects APC’s Claim

Yari's prediction has, however, triggered strong reactions from opposition parties.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other political stakeholders have criticised the statement, arguing that Nigerians—not any political party—will ultimately decide who governs the country.

The opposition has continued to explore ways of building a stronger political coalition capable of challenging the APC in 2027.

APC Faces Economic and Political Test

Despite the ruling party's growing political strength, its chances of remaining in power will ultimately depend on voters' assessment of the Tinubu administration.

Reuters reported that the APC is entering the 2027 campaign under pressure over economic hardship, insecurity and declining purchasing power, although the party has also pointed to reforms that it says are improving government revenue and attracting investment.

The fragmented nature of the opposition could nevertheless work in APC's favor. The Associated Press reported that opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have struggled to establish a united front against Tinubu.

What Happens Beyond 2031?

For now, Yari's claim that APC will rule beyond 2031 remains a political prediction, not an established fact. The immediate challenge for the party is winning the 2027 presidential election.

If Tinubu wins a second term, the APC would have a stronger platform from which to pursue continued dominance beyond 2031. However, Nigeria's electoral history shows that political fortunes can change rapidly, particularly when economic conditions, public sentiment and opposition alliances shift.

The 2027 election, therefore, could become the most important test yet of whether the APC can turn its current political dominance into long-term control of Nigeria's presidency.