Abdul-Aziz Yari

Abdul-Aziz Yari Abubakar (born January 1, 1968) is a prominent Nigerian politician who has served in significant executive and legislative capacities, notably as the Governor of Zamfara State and currently as a Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District. He is a key figure in Nigerian national politics, known for his long career within the country's public service. Early Life and Education Abdul-Aziz Yari was born on January 1, 1968, in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State (then part of the North-Western State). He received his early Islamic education locally. For his formal education, he attended Talata Mafara Town Primary School from 1974 to 1978 and Government Teachers’ College, Talata Mafara, from 1978 to 1983. He later attended Sokoto State Polytechnic, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Public Administration in 1994. Yari furthered his education, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Economics from the University of Abuja in 2004 and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the same university in 2006. Career Progression and Major Achievements Yari began his political career relatively early, holding various administrative positions within the government before achieving elective office. Executive Career and Governorship: He served as the Secretary to the Department of Liberalization and Privatization in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration. His most influential role began when he was elected Governor of Zamfara State in 2011 under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He was re-elected for a second term in 2015, serving until 2019. During his tenure as Governor, he focused on infrastructural development and public security, though his time in office was often challenged by escalating banditry and internal conflicts within the state. Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF): One of Yari’s significant achievements during his governorship was his election as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in 2015. The NGF is a non-partisan association of all 36 state governors in Nigeria. As Chairman, he played a crucial role in mediating between the state governments and the Federal Government on issues of national economy, fiscal federalism, and security, significantly influencing national policy discourse. Current Status Following his term as Governor, Yari remained a powerful figure within Nigerian politics. In 2023, he contested and won the election for the Senate, representing the Zamfara West Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is currently serving in the 10th National Assembly, where he continues to contribute to national legislation and policy-making. In the aftermath of the 2023 elections, Yari was a strong contender for the position of Senate President, though he was ultimately unsuccessful. His current focus in the Senate includes legislative efforts related to national security, resource control, and socio-economic development for his constituency and the North-West region.