A section of the crowd at an APC rally in Zamfara State chanted “Sai Atiku” instead of responding with a pro-Tinubu chant, creating an awkward moment for the ruling party in the presence of Governor Dauda Lawal and former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari.
The incident reportedly took place on Thursday during a gathering organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lawal ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a video from the event, a speaker could be heard calling out “Nigeria!” to the crowd, apparently expecting a response in support of Tinubu. Instead, some members of the crowd replied, “Sai Atiku!”, in support of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku is among the opposition figures seeking the presidency in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The unexpected chant occurred in the presence of Governor Lawal and Yari, who was recently appointed Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
The development is the second such incident involving an APC gathering in Zamfara within a short period.
Days earlier, a similar “Sai Atiku” chant was heard during a solidarity walk organised by the Zamfara chapter of the APC in Gusau, the state capital.
The earlier event was organised to celebrate Tinubu’s appointment of Yari as Director-General of his campaign council and to demonstrate support for the President’s 2027 re-election bid.
The procession, which began at the Trade Fair Complex and ended at the Zamfara State Government House, was organised by the A.A. Yari Political Organisation in collaboration with the Shehu Movement Organisation and the Yari 774 Initiative for Asiwaju 2027.
APC stakeholders, party loyalists and supporters of the President participated in the event, with organisers promising to mobilise votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Zamfara APC Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Moyi Birnin Magaji, said during the event that the President should expect massive votes from the state.
Moyi also presented a letter of appreciation to Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mumini on behalf of Tinubu.
The deputy governor praised the turnout and expressed confidence that both Tinubu and Governor Lawal would enjoy strong support in their respective re-election bids.
Yari’s appointment to lead Tinubu’s 2027 campaign was announced in August by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Under the campaign structure, Tinubu will serve as chairman, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will serve as vice chairmen.
Yari, a former governor of Zamfara and a prominent APC figure, will coordinate the campaign as Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary.
Other members of the campaign council include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and James Abiodun Faleke.
Tinubu has tasked the campaign council with securing victory for the APC and presenting the achievements of his administration to voters as the 2027 election approaches.
“We have delivered on our campaign promises and set our country on a path of economic progress. We are definitely out of the dark tunnel and are now at the cusp of reaping the benefits of a prosperous economy that will benefit all Nigerians,” the President said.
He also urged the campaign team to highlight the administration’s record during the campaign.
“As we march into the campaign season, we have many achievements to trumpet—let us confidently showcase our record and inspire hope in every corner of our nation,” Tinubu said.
The President further charged the campaign council to defeat opposition forces seeking to replace the APC.
“Let us soundly defeat all those forces who plan to take our country backwards,” he added.