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Fresh allegations have surfaced against former Zamfara State Governor and current senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, accusing him of engaging in large-scale financial inducements aimed at influencing political figures and advancing his ambition to become Nigeria’s Vice President.

According to claims attributed to unnamed sources, Yari is allegedly distributing billions of naira to politicians and influential individuals, while reportedly keeping detailed records of such transactions for potential leverage. The allegations suggest that these actions are part of a broader effort to position himself as a possible running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should there be any change involving current Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The report further alleges that Yari has made substantial monthly payments to key political figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as well as providing funds to presidential aides to secure access and influence.

In addition, Yari is said to have targeted individuals within the inner circle of the President, including associates and family members. One claim alleges that he distributed millions of dollars during a recent birthday event for Gilbert Chagoury.

The senator is also reportedly linked to the establishment of a political support group, the Renewed Hope Network, allegedly funded with billions of naira and coordinated through political ally James Abiodun Faleke.

Further allegations tie Yari to past financial dealings involving late former President Muhammadu Buhari and former First Lady Aisha Buhari, with claims that funds were exchanged and later referenced during investigations into alleged fraud cases.

Sources also claim that Yari’s wealth is partly derived from illegal gold mining activities in Zamfara State, alongside consultancy payments reportedly received from the Federal Government.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Yari or the individuals named in the allegations. The claims also remain unverified, and no formal charges or independent confirmations have been publicly established.

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that he is ready to contest the 2027 election to seek a second term in office as Nigeria’s leader.

According to him, he is ready to break the shackles of ignorance and poverty, put freedom in the hearts of Nigerians and ensure democracy survives.

Taking a swipe at opposition parties, President Tinubu said he wants to give something different from the rascality or noise-making of a street convention.

According to him, the country must submit to the principles of separation of powers and respect the judiciary even when rulings don’t favour a particular group.

Naija News reports that Tinubu made the declaration when he met with the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu added that he can’t be intimidated by the antics of opposition parties and politicians, declaring that he was once in their shoes and understands the game.

“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I have been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over again, I will do the same thing,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his interest in the 2027 presidency.

Onanuga argued that Atiku is simply pursuing a self-serving interest without regard for zoning or Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement, which gives preference to a southern candidate for the 2027 presidency.

According to the presidential media aide, Atiku has constantly disregarded zoning arrangements in his previous ambitions for the presidency, leading to a crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He added that Atiku’s open declaration of intent to contest the 2027 presidency is following the same route and may plunge the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into similar troubles.

Onanuga, however, predicted that Atiku would suffer a resounding defeat at the polls, describing him as a man who never learns.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the reported suspension of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, by a faction of the party in Adamawa State.

The party described the move as invalid, insisting that those behind it lack the authority to take such action.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the announcement carries no weight within the party.

According to Abdullahi, “No, no, no. There’s nothing to it. It doesn’t make sense.

“Those saying it (they suspended Atiku and Babachir Lawal), don’t have the power to do that. No, they don’t have the power to do that. They are just jesters.”

The development followed a press conference by a factional chairman in Adamawa State, Raji Zumo, who announced the suspension of Atiku, Lawal and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim.

Abdullahi said, “Let it be clearly stated, no individual, regardless of his status or influence, is above the law or the constitution of the African Democratic Congress, as long as he is a card-carrying member of the party.

“Those individuals are suspended for their roles in fostering disunity, creating parallel structures, undermining lawful authority, and disregarding a subsisting court order.”

The ADC has been grappling with internal disputes over its leadership structure.

Separate factions led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and Kingsley Ogga, both reportedly expelled during the party’s national convention, are laying claim to the position of national chairman.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier withdrawn recognition of the party’s leadership structures amid the ongoing crisis.