2027: Bafarawa Gives Tinubu Condition For His Vote, Demands End To Northern Insecurity

Bafarawa stated that his support would depend on the restoration of peace in Sokoto State and other parts of the North, stressing that he was more concerned about the safety and livelihoods of residents than any financial benefits associated with political campaigns.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the former governor made his position known during an interview with FRI, a Hausa-language online platform, where he called on the Federal Government to prioritise security and restore normal activities in communities affected by violence.

Bafarawa maintained that he was not interested in receiving campaign funds or other personal benefits from Tinubu, insisting that his primary demand was for the government to create an environment where residents could live and work without fear.

“My only condition for allowing my vote to go to President Tinubu is for him to ensure peace and allow full normalcy to return to my area and other Northern parts,” he said.

He further stressed that markets, schools, farms and other essential economic activities must resume normal operations, arguing that insecurity had severely disrupted daily life across several communities in the region.

“What I want is for President Tinubu to do everything he can to ensure peace and allow markets, schools, farming and other livelihood activities to return to our communities. I assure him that I will vote for him,” Bafarawa stated.

The former governor also argued that the president had access to the authority, resources and security institutions needed to make significant progress against insecurity within a relatively short period.

He expressed concern over the disruption of education, agricultural activities and community life, noting that children in some areas could not attend school, farmers were unable to access their farmlands, and several communities had been displaced by violence.

Bafarawa described the situation as unacceptable, insisting that restoring security should be a central priority for the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general election.

Despite his willingness to support Tinubu under those conditions, Bafarawa disclosed that he was not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and had met the president only once since 2023, during an encounter at a mosque.

He also alleged that an individual assigned by Tinubu to facilitate a meeting between them at the Presidential Villa failed to fulfil the arrangement and subsequently blocked his telephone lines.

Meanwhile, Bafarawa defended the appointment of former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, dismissing criticism surrounding his acceptance of the role.

According to the former governor, Yari was expected to respect the decision of the president and the APC, given his membership of the ruling party and the responsibilities attached to the appointment.

Bafarawa argued that accepting the position should not automatically be interpreted negatively, adding that refusing an appointment made by the president and the party could be viewed as disrespectful.

He also praised Yari for reportedly consulting with several individuals before accepting the responsibility and continuing to seek advice afterwards, describing the approach as a demonstration of integrity.

Bafarawa’s comments highlight the importance of security as a potential factor in determining political support ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Northern communities grappling with violence, displacement and disruptions to economic and educational activities.