The Yari 2031 declaration that the All Progressives Congress will remain in power beyond 2031 has drawn criticism from civil society organisations, lawyers and opposition politicians.
The groups said political parties could seek to retain power but could not determine future electoral outcomes, stressing that the decision ultimately rests with Nigerian voters.
The reactions followed a recent statement by Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, that the ruling party would continue governing Nigeria beyond 2031.
Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, described Yari’s position as “an expression of partisan optimism”.
He, however, warned against presenting future electoral victories as already determined.
“The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, considers the declaration by the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, that the APC will continue to govern Nigeria beyond 2031 as an expression of partisan optimism, but one that must not be presented as if Nigeria’s future electoral outcomes have already been decided and determined,” Rafsanjani said.
He maintained that Nigerians alone would determine who governs the country through credible elections.
“In a democracy, however, no political party has a permanent entitlement to power. The authority to determine who governs Nigeria in 2027, 2031 or any subsequent election belongs exclusively to Nigerian voters through credible, competitive, free and fair elections.”
Rafsanjani cited the recent Osun State governorship election as a reminder that political dominance does not guarantee electoral victory.
“The recent Osun State governorship election provides an important reality check for every political party, including the APC,” he said.
Human rights lawyer, Idris Faro, also criticised the Yari 2031 declaration, arguing that electoral outcomes should be determined by voters rather than political pronouncements.
“To assert that your party will rule beyond 2031 shows that you have no regard for the role and power of the electorate,” Faro stated.
He said political leaders should point to their achievements and allow voters to assess their performance.
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, said no administration could guarantee victory in 2027 or subsequent elections.
“For us in civil society, we insist that there should be free, fair and credible elections so that the votes of the people, the voice of the people is what matters, what counts at the end of the day,” Mamedu said.
He said the statement could also challenge the APC to improve governance and address citizens’ economic difficulties.
Mamedu urged Nigerians not to become discouraged by claims suggesting that election outcomes had already been determined.
“The more people come out, the more it is difficult for elections to be rigged, elections to be manipulated, and then the will of the people will count,” he said.
National Chairman of the Because Of Our Tomorrow Party, Sonny Adenuga, warned the APC against confusing incumbency with permanent political control.
“When a ruling party chieftain speaks with such certainty about remaining in power beyond 2031, it reflects more arrogance than political foresight,” Adenuga said.
He recalled previous predictions of prolonged political dominance, including a past declaration that the PDP would rule Nigeria for 60 years.
“Democracy does not guarantee any political party perpetual ownership of power,” he said.
Adenuga added that political fortunes could change as voters reassess the performance of governing parties.
The reactions have renewed attention to the role of voters, electoral institutions and political performance ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the APC remains entitled to seek another mandate, the groups maintain that future electoral outcomes can only be determined through the ballot.
