‘DO NOT LIE TO NIGERIANS’: KATSINA EMIR CHALLENGES TINUBU CAMPAIGN CHIEF YARI OVER INSECURITY

By NaijaParrot October 22, 2026 

KATSINA, KATSINA STATE — The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has cautioned Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, against making misleading political claims, urging leaders to confront the insecurity and economic difficulties affecting Nigerians. The monarch reportedly made the remarks during Yari’s visit to his palace in Katsina as part of consultations by the presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to a report published by SaharaReporters on Thursday, October 22, the Emir emphasised that political leaders must prioritise truth, accountability and the welfare of ordinary citizens rather than concentrate solely on electoral ambitions.

During the meeting, the traditional ruler stressed that political engagement should involve dialogue, persuasion and respect for differing opinions. He warned against the use of falsehood, hostility and personal attacks to gain political advantage, arguing that leadership comes with a responsibility to communicate honestly with the public. The Emir also reminded Yari that his position as campaign director placed him in a position to influence political leaders and public discourse across the country. He urged the senator to use that influence to encourage responsible leadership and ensure that the concerns of ordinary Nigerians reached those in authority. The monarch maintained that politics should not be reduced to fighting opponents, spreading hostility or undermining the livelihoods of others. 

 One of the major concerns raised by the Emir was the impact of insecurity on agriculture and rural livelihoods. He lamented that some farmers could no longer access their farmlands safely because of threats from armed groups, leaving communities struggling to maintain their normal economic activities. The situation is particularly concerning in parts of northern Nigeria, where agriculture provides livelihoods for many households and contributes significantly to local food supplies. When farmers cannot cultivate their land because of insecurity, the consequences can extend beyond individual families to affect food production, household incomes and the wider economy. The Emir challenged political leaders to address these realities rather than focus exclusively on political competition ahead of the next general election. 

 The monarch also expressed concern about the condition of industrial establishments in northern Nigeria, citing the decline of major businesses in Kaduna State. He referred to the DIC and Peugeot company as examples of industrial establishments whose condition, in his view, should concern political leaders and influential figures in the region. The Emir questioned why community leaders and other influential Nigerians had not spoken more forcefully about the economic challenges confronting their people. He called for greater responsibility from political and traditional leaders, stressing that their positions should be used to promote solutions to insecurity, unemployment and declining economic opportunities. 

 Yari’s visit to the Emir formed part of a wider engagement with traditional rulers and political stakeholders ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign. The campaign chief has led a delegation of political figures on visits to several northern traditional institutions, including the palaces of the Emirs of Gwandu, Katsina, Daura and Zaria. The visits have been presented by the campaign council as an opportunity to seek prayers, advice and guidance from traditional rulers. However, the Emir of Katsina used his meeting with Yari to draw attention to the everyday challenges facing citizens, particularly insecurity and the difficulties confronting farmers. His remarks underline the importance of addressing public concerns as political parties and their supporters prepare for the 2027 elections. 

 The Emir urged politicians and other influential figures to demonstrate genuine concern for the people they seek to represent. He stressed that leadership should be measured by the positive difference it makes in people’s lives rather than political position, wealth or personal influence. His intervention comes amid continuing concerns about attacks on rural communities and the difficulties faced by farmers in parts of northwestern Nigeria. The comments also place the issue of insecurity at the centre of discussions surrounding the 2027 elections, as Nigerians continue to demand safer communities and better economic opportunities. 

 NaijaParrot — Hear It First, Hear It True!