2027: Unlike 2023, Kaduna votes now for Tinubu, Gov Sani declares

By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has declared that the state will vote massively for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election, as against what obtained in the 2023 presidential election. He made the declaration while receiving the Support Groups Directorate of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), led by a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Silas Agara, at the Government House, Kaduna, after thousands of supporters took to the streets in a pre-election solidarity walk.

“Kaduna State will support President Tinubu and vote massively for him in recognition of his achievements. We encourage our supporters to remain united, peaceful and committed to engaging the people as we prepare for Saturday’s rally,” the governor said. The pledge comes against the background of the 2023 presidential election, in which Tinubu came second in Kaduna State.

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, won the state with 554,360 votes, carrying 14 local government areas. Tinubu polled 399,293 votes and carried only two LGAs, Birnin-Gwari and Sanga. Peter Obi of the Labour Party followed with 294,494 votes and carried seven LGAs, while Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP polled 92,969 votes.

Sani commended the support groups for their mobilisation efforts and stressed the importance of political participation, unity and sustained engagement with citizens. “We welcome the support group leaders and members to Kaduna State. Your presence demonstrates your commitment to the political process and your willingness to engage citizens on the direction of our country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to pursue policies and programmes aimed at addressing Nigeria’s challenges and laying the foundation for sustainable development. We recognise the importance of the ongoing reforms and the need to communicate their objectives and impact to Nigerians”, he said. The procession began around the Savannah Bank area and moved towards the Government House before returning to the APC Ciki da Waje State Secretariat.

Participants carried numerous flags bearing inscriptions in support of the president and displayed their enthusiasm through drumming and dancing. Agara commended the governor for receiving the delegation and acknowledged the contributions of support group leaders and members to the mobilisation exercise. “Today’s solidarity walk demonstrates our commitment to organising and coordinating support groups ahead of the campaign.

We have brought together members from different groups to demonstrate unity of purpose and strengthen our collective participation in the political process,” he said. He said the mobilisation was part of the directorate’s responsibility to ensure that support groups were organised, active and ready to participate in the campaign. “We appreciate Governor Uba Sani for receiving us and providing an opportunity for engagement as we prepare for Saturday’s rally,” Agara added.

Other notable figures at the engagement included a former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso; a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; the North-West Coordinator of the Support Group Directorate, Bafa Dan Agundi; and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi. The convener said similar walks would be held in every state of the federation before each presidential rally.

According to Agara, the work of the support groups did not end with the procession. “Our task goes beyond carrying flags and participating in processions. We must engage citizens, communicate the policies and programmes of the administration, and ensure that Nigerians understand the issues at stake. We are determined to work together, strengthen our structures and sustain our mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections,” he said.