The [All Progressives Congress (APC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Progressives_Congress_(Nigeria)) Presidential Campaign Council kicked off a nationwide outreach to senior traditional rulers on Sunday, beginning with the Emir of Ilorin and the Ooni of Ife, aiming to secure spiritual support before the 16 January 2027 election date.
**What is the objective of the tour?**
The council says the visits are intended to deepen engagement with Nigeria’s hereditary institutions, solicit prayers and blessings, and acknowledge the moral influence monarchs wield in the political arena. It explicitly states that no endorsement or voter‑mobilisation request is being made.
**Who led the delegation?**
The mission was headed by [Senator Abdulaziz Yari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdulaziz_Yari), Director‑General of the council and former Zamfara governor. Accompanying him were National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru, former Kano governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former House Speaker Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and a roster of ex‑governors and senators from Kebbi, Borno, Imo, Zamfara, Jigawa, Gombe, Katsina and Ondo states.
**What was said at the Ilorin palace?**
Speaking inside the palace of the [Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu‑Gambari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emir_of_Ilorin), Yari expressed confidence that the APC would capture the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats in Kwara. He highlighted achievements since 2019, such as new hospitals, reforms in education and health, and praised Governor Abdul‑Rahman Abdul‑Razaq’s role as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for expanding the party’s reach.
**What does the council say about traditional rulers?**
The statement underscores that monarchs provide “moral and spiritual anchorage” to the nation’s political process, promoting peace, unity and stability. It affirms the party’s commitment to involving all stakeholders as the election calendar progresses.
**Who else was part of the team?**
The delegation also featured former governors Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), former House Speaker Hon. Dimeji Bankole, and senators Adamu Aliero, Ali Modu Sheriff, Rochas Okorocha, Ahmad Sani Yarima, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Danjuma Goje.
The tour marks the formal start of a consultative journey across Nigeria’s traditional and political leaders, designed to build consensus and gather blessings ahead of the key campaign milestones leading to the 2027 general elections.