The support base of former Governor of Zamfara State and APC national chairmanship aspirant, Dr. Abdulaziz Yari is gaining new strength as the former chairman Nigerian Governors Forum on Thursday played host to North Central Stakeholders of the party.

The party chieftains under the aegis of Vanguard for Progressives Mandate, VPM were at the Abuja home of the former Governor to pledge the support of members of the party in North Central zone in his quest to clinch the chairmanship position of the party as the February 26 convention of the party draws nearer.

The delegation led by its National Coordinator, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Adeyemi in his remarks stated that members of the party in the zone after an expanded meeting and wide consultation arrived at the choice of Dr. Yari after carefully studying his pedigree as an outstanding political master planner and experienced administrator.

Prof. Adeyemi while underlining that the Zamfara ex-governor's decision to join the race is a big plus for the party especially in its quest to retain power in 2023 added that his emergence will consolidate on the gains being made by the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Prof. Adeyemi, a professor of Mass Communication said Yari has for decades distinguished himself as an authority in the political arena in the country as a former House of Representatives member and as a State Chief Executive.

"The decision of over 80 percent of members of our great party in North Central to support Dr. Yari was reached after a careful understudy of other aspirants who are equally in the race.

"Yes, you cannot say that these men are not qualified but one candidate in the person of Dr. Yari stands giant among all. He has a deep rooted structure and appeal across the country.

"As a former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF he still commands the respect and acceptance of his former colleagues from North, South, East and West.

"That is the kind of person we need to pilot the affairs of our party not champions of region. His Excellency Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari is a tested and trusted nationalist who puts the nation ahead of any other consideration.

"He possesses an enviable leadership dexterity and love for the people. His name still resonates in his state and gives the people joy particularly on the account of massive number of persons he empowered, including women and youths who are today employers of labour.

"His candour, patience, tolerance and innate ability to provide solutions to seemingly difficult political questions is his pillar of strength.

"I have no iota of doubt in my mind that other members of our party in other zones will join forces with us produce a chairman who is fearless, a chairman who is tested and trusted, a chairman whose presence attracts national appeal" Prof. Adeyemi stated.

Also the Deputy National Coordinator of VPM (Kogi) Dr. Omale Adaji said Dr. Yari's leadership experience as a former party manager in his ANPP days, House of Reps member and Governor is needed to reinvigorate the party now as efforts to expand the states under the control of APC continues.

The former Governor and the host, Abdulaziz Yari in his comment expressed gratitude to the APC stalwarts under the aegis of VPM for their solidarity visit and show of support.

Dr. Yari who could not hide his joy noted that he has a lot to offer the party in leadership if elected as the next chairman, expressing optimism that a vast majority of party men and women will choose him to lead the party.