Campaign flag off: Tinubu shuts down Kaduna

On Friday, Kaduna city was packed as supporters and officials gathered for the 2027 APC presidential campaign flag-off. The Township stadium became overwhelmed as people spilled out onto the surrounding streets and avenues. By 6am on Saturday, party members wearing party colors and apparel supporting President Bola Tinubu were already at the venue. Dignitaries like Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Uba Sani arrived by bus, greeted by the crowd with the chant "Baba Oyoyo."

Tinubu addressed the crowd, urging Nigerians to back his re-election and promising economic recovery, prosperity, and a better future for the youth. He criticized previous administrations for hunger and poverty, praising his administration for paying salaries regularly and commending APC governors for their state development efforts. He called on supporters to mobilize voters ahead of the January 16, 2027 election, warning against misinformation.

Governor Uba Sani thanked the president for federal government interventions in transportation, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and human capital development. He highlighted the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, reopening of schools and healthcare centers, and the proposed Kaduna metropolitan light rail project, which has received $865m in approval. Sani also praised Tinubu for regular salary payments and criticized previous administrations for creating hunger and poverty problems.

Senator AbdulAzeez Yari, the campaign director-general, defended the administration's economic policies, noting that foreign reserves have increased from $33.9bn to $54.7bn. He called on traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilize support for Tinubu, emphasizing that continuity is necessary for national development and peace. Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the APC's cooperation with state governments, educational development in Kaduna, and the party's role in promoting unity across the state.