President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised greater inclusion of traditional institutions in governance if re-elected in 2027, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council intensifies consultations with monarchs across Nigeria ahead of the general elections.
The commitment was conveyed by the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, during visits to prominent traditional rulers in northern Nigeria. According to a statement issued by the Yari Media Office and reported on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the engagements form part of the ruling party's nationwide consultations ahead of the presidential election.
The delegation visited the palaces of the Emir of Gwandu, the Emir of Katsina, the Emir of Daura and the Emir of Zaria, where discussions centred on the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity and national stability.
Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, said the consultations reflected the APC's recognition of the influence traditional rulers exercise within their communities and their contributions to national development.
He explained that the visits were intended to seek guidance, prayers and advice from the monarchs rather than formal political endorsements.
According to the statement, the campaign council considers engagement with traditional institutions an important part of its consultations with stakeholders across the country.
The council reaffirmed its respect for traditional rulers and their contributions to maintaining social cohesion, particularly at the community level.
Yari assured the monarchs that the Tinubu administration remained committed to involving relevant stakeholders in national affairs and would strengthen its relationship with traditional institutions if the President secured another term.
The statement also linked the visits to preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the APC seeking to build relationships with political and community leaders ahead of the campaign.
During the engagements, Yari emphasised the importance of the monarchs' moral and spiritual guidance, describing their counsel as valuable to the country's democratic development.
He said the ruling party recognised traditional institutions as important contributors to peace, unity and stability, particularly because of their longstanding relationships with local communities.
The traditional rulers, according to the statement, offered prayers for national peace, unity and the success of Nigeria's democratic process.
The northern visits followed similar engagements with traditional rulers in other parts of the country.
On October 15, the APC Presidential Campaign Council visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, as part of its consultations in the South-West.
During the visit to the Olubadan's palace, Yari said President Tinubu had directed the campaign council to engage traditional rulers nationwide as part of preparations for the election.
He explained that the campaign would highlight the administration's record in office alongside its proposals for another term.
The council subsequently continued its engagements with other prominent monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The consultations demonstrate the importance the APC places on relationships with traditional authorities as it prepares for the 2027 presidential contest.
Traditional institutions occupy an established position in Nigeria's social and cultural structure, although their constitutional powers differ from those of elected government officials.
Traditional rulers frequently participate in community dispute resolution, cultural administration and local peacebuilding efforts. They also serve as intermediaries between residents and public authorities on issues affecting their communities.
However, the precise responsibilities that traditional institutions would assume under Tinubu's proposed expanded involvement have not been publicly detailed in the latest campaign statement.
The statement did not specify whether the administration would introduce legislation, establish new consultative bodies or pursue constitutional changes to formalise a greater role for monarchs.
The Federal Government has previously expressed support for closer collaboration with traditional rulers, particularly in addressing insecurity and promoting national cohesion.
In June 2026, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the President's commitment to strengthening cooperation with northern traditional rulers during a meeting in Dutse, Jigawa State.
The government identified peacebuilding, security, national unity and sustainable development as areas in which traditional institutions could contribute to public administration.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also reaffirmed the administration's position during a meeting with the Emir of Gumel at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in October.
Shettima described traditional rulers as important partners in promoting national security and unity, highlighting their influence in preserving cultural values and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
These earlier statements provide context for the latest assurances delivered by the APC campaign council.
Nevertheless, the distinction between campaign commitments and formal government policy remains important. The latest promise does not itself establish new legal powers or responsibilities for traditional rulers.
The composition of the campaign delegation also reflected the APC's effort to involve experienced political figures in its nationwide engagements.
Among those accompanying Yari were former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Kebbi State Governor Adamu Aliero and former Zamfara State Governor Sani Ahmad Yarima.
Their participation formed part of the campaign council's wider consultations with traditional and political leaders ahead of the election.
President Tinubu inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council on October 14, directing members to remain united and focused on presenting the administration's policies and record to Nigerians.
The President also urged the council to continue its political activities without allowing the campaign to distract the government from its responsibilities.
As the APC expands its consultations, the latest promise raises questions about how traditional institutions might be incorporated into governance if Tinubu wins another term.
For now, the campaign council has emphasised respect, consultation and cooperation, while the details of any proposed institutional reforms remain to be announced.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments