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‘Sai Atiku’ Chant Rocks APC Rally In Zamfara, Leaves Tinubu Supporters In Awkward Moment
‘Sai Atiku’ Chant Rocks APC Rally In Zamfara, Leaves Tinubu Supporters In Awkward Moment
A section of the crowd at an All Progressives Congress rally in Zamfara State on Thursday, September 10, 2026, reportedly broke into a chant of “Sai Atiku”, instead of responding with a pro-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu slogan, in an unexpected development that created an awkward moment for the ruling party.
The incident occurred during a political gathering organised in support of President Tinubu and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The chant reportedly became noticeable while the event was underway and senior political figures, including Governor Lawal and former Zamfara Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, were present.
In a video from the gathering, a speaker could be heard calling out “Nigeria!” to the crowd, apparently expecting a response expressing support for President Tinubu.
However, rather than responding with a pro-Tinubu chant, some members of the crowd shouted, “Sai Atiku!”, signalling support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is among the opposition politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest under the African Democratic Congress.
The unexpected response immediately stood out because of the political significance of the gathering and the presence of Yari, a prominent APC figure who was recently appointed Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
The development also comes only days after another APC-related gathering in Zamfara was reportedly disrupted by a similar chant in support of Atiku.
During a solidarity walk organised by the Zamfara chapter of the APC in Gusau, the state capital, some participants were also heard chanting “Sai Atiku”, despite the event being organised to celebrate Yari’s appointment as Director-General of Tinubu’s campaign council and to demonstrate support for the President’s 2027 re-election bid.
The procession, which commenced at the Trade Fair Complex and terminated 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.
The event attracted APC stakeholders, party loyalists and supporters of President Tinubu, with organisers declaring their intention to mobilise massive votes for the President in the 2027 election.
Zamfara APC Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Moyi Birnin Magaji, had told supporters at the event that Tinubu should expect massive votes from the state.
Moyi also presented a letter of appreciation to Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mumini on behalf of the President.
The deputy governor, while commending the turnout, expressed confidence that President Tinubu and Governor Lawal would receive strong support in their respective re-election bids.
Yari’s appointment as Director-General of 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 one of the influential figures within the APC, is expected to coordinate the campaign as Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary.
Other prominent 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 charged the campaign council with the responsibility of securing victory for the APC at the 2027 polls while communicating the achievements of his administration to Nigerians as the election draws closer.
“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 further urged members of the campaign council to make the administration’s record a central part of its campaign message.
“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 also charged the campaign team to confront opposition parties and political forces seeking to dislodge the APC from power.
“Let us soundly defeat all those forces who plan to take our country backwards,” he added.
The repeated appearance of the “Sai Atiku” chant at APC-related gatherings in Zamfara has nevertheless added an unexpected dimension to the state’s emerging political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as the ruling party intensifies its mobilisation efforts across the country.
