Former Governor of Zamfara State and one of the leading candidates for the office of President of the Tenth Senate, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, on Sunday took his campaign to the doorsteps of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina state, where he was warmly received.
This came as it was revealed that more senators-elect from various political parties have expressed support for Senator-elect Yari, a development that could see him upsetting the political equation of his ruling All Progressives Congress APC.
No fewer than 22 Senators-elect from various political parties and from all six geopolitical zones accompanied Yari to Daura to congratulate the former President on the successful completion of his tenure.
According to sources present at the meeting, including an APC leader, “Yari was well received by a very jovial former President Buhari,” and at no point did he express disapproval of his guests in any way.
In addition to wishing him well in retirement and wishing him a long and healthy life, Yari and his team assured the former president that they were working toward a friendly relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government under the new administration, stressing that they were not at odds with the executive branch but rather devoted to bolstering the legislative branch of government.
“Senator-elect Yari came with over 20 senators-elect to visit President Buhari, to congratulate him on his successful tenure in office, and to pray for his good health.
“That gesture by Senator-elect Yari demonstrates humility, reverence, and love toward the former President. It shows his respect for elders and that is a mark of true statesmanship and leadership.
” The team was well-received by a very jovial former President Buhari. The meeting was very lively, and the team assured the former president that they were not in confrontation with the executive but committed to strengthening the legislative arm of government.
“At no point did President Buhari make any comment in disapproval of his guests. Recall that during his tenure as President, he allowed for the independence of the legislative arm, and such a legacy must be sustained in the current dispensation. That is the essence of democracy,” the APC source said.
The former President thanked them for coming and urged them to cooperate with the Executive for the benefit of all Nigerians, the speaker added. He also jokingly suggested that they inform Nigerians of his good health.
In the meantime, more senators-elect have backed Senator Yari as their top choice ahead of the June 13 swearing-in of the 10th National Assembly.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Osita Izunaso are also candidates for the Senate Presidency, along with Yari, who is teaming up with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.