Tinubu, Shettima flag off APC 2027 campaign in Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Kaduna State on Saturday ahead of the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress’ 2027 presidential campaign, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana, also arriving for the event. APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, the Director-General of the presidential campaign, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani were at the airport to welcome the President.

Shettima’s arrival was announced in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha. Mr Nkwocha said APC governors, party leaders, elected officials, political stakeholders and supporters were gathering at the Kaduna Township Stadium for the commencement of the party’s nationwide presidential campaign. He described the event as a significant moment for Kaduna, noting that the city would serve as the launching point for the APC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the statement, the campaign would provide the ruling party with an opportunity to present its “Renewed Hope 2.0” agenda and highlight the achievements of the Tinubu administration. “The stage is set. Kaduna is ready. The 2027 campaign begins!” the statement read in part. It added, “Asiwaju is here. Northwest for the takeaway!” Ahead of the President’s arrival, security operatives on Saturday barricaded strategic locations across Kaduna metropolis as authorities stepped up security preparations for the campaign event.

Personnel from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service were deployed to different parts of the city. The security personnel were stationed at major roundabouts and along roads leading to the venue of the campaign flag-off.

Muhammadu Buhari Way, formerly known as WAFF Road, was blocked by security operatives ahead of the expected movement of the President and his entourage through the route. The Ahmadu Bello Stadium roundabout was also manned by heavily armed soldiers, police officers and plain-clothes security personnel. The security restrictions affected traffic in several parts of Kaduna, triggering a gridlock that extended from Junction Road to Ahmadu Bello Way.