By Reloaded News
KADUNA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday formally launched the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign for the 2027 general election in Kaduna, calling on Nigerians, particularly young people, to support his bid for a second term and promising prosperity, continuity and progress.
The campaign flag-off, held at Kaduna Township Stadium, also known as Ranchers Bees Stadium, brought together Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, campaign Director-General Abdulaziz Yari and other party leaders.
Tinubu arrived in Kaduna with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and was received by Shettima, Governor Sani and other senior party officials.
The rally marked the beginning of the ruling party’s nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the APC seeking to secure a renewed mandate for the Tinubu administration.
Tinubu promises prosperity, better future for youths
Addressing supporters at the rally, Tinubu appealed to young Nigerians to support his second-term ambition, promising a better future under his administration.
“I come again to thank you for that again, to seek your mandate for the second time, to give a promise of prosperity, continuity and progress,” the President said.
He specifically acknowledged the country’s youth population, assuring them that his administration would work towards a better tomorrow.
“Our youth population, thank you. We promise you a better tomorrow,” he said.
The President also urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the electoral process, asking supporters at the gathering to indicate whether they possessed their PVCs.
He called on APC supporters to vote for the party at all levels, including the presidency, governorships, the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
His message placed youth expectations, economic prosperity and continuity at the centre of the party’s early campaign appeal.
Shettima highlights federal projects, reforms
Vice-President Kashim Shettima urged Nigerians to give Tinubu another mandate, citing what he described as the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education funding, economic reforms and efforts to strengthen national unity.
Shettima highlighted federal interventions in Kaduna State, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal University of Education in Zaria and vocational training institutions.
He also referenced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, alongside major infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline and significant road and rail corridors.
The Vice-President argued that continued support for the administration would enable it to consolidate its programmes and sustain ongoing development initiatives.
He also recalled Tinubu’s political relationships with northern leaders, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, as evidence of the President’s longstanding engagement with the region.
Uba Sani seeks renewed support for Tinubu
Governor Uba Sani called on Kaduna residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, pointing to federal projects and programmes that he said demonstrated the benefits of cooperation between the state and the Federal Government.
The governor’s campaign message focused on infrastructure, education, vocational training and other interventions intended to support economic development.
The Kaduna State Government had earlier highlighted projects involving the conversion of the Federal College of Education in Zaria into a university, the proposed conversion of Kaduna Polytechnic into a federal university of technology, the Mando–Birnin Gwari road project and the proposed Kaduna light rail project.
These projects featured in the state government’s account of its relationship with the Federal Government and its case for continued political cooperation.
The campaign flag-off followed days of preparations across Kaduna metropolis, with APC flags, banners, posters and campaign materials displayed along major roads and around the rally venue.
Supporters began arriving early on Saturday, wearing branded shirts, caps and other clothing bearing the images of Tinubu, Shettima and APC leaders.
Political songs, drumming and dancing accompanied the gathering, while security personnel barricaded strategic roads and deployed around major intersections and routes leading to the stadium.
The security operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and Kaduna State Vigilance Service.
The restrictions affected vehicular movement in parts of the metropolis, with reports of traffic gridlock along major routes, including areas around Ahmadu Bello Way.
The heightened security arrangements were intended to manage the movement of the President’s entourage and the large gathering of supporters.
APC begins nationwide mobilisation
The choice of Kaduna for the campaign launch places the North-West at the centre of the APC’s initial mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 election.
The region has considerable electoral importance, and Kaduna remains a significant political battleground. In the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party defeated Tinubu in Kaduna State.
The ruling party’s return to the state for its campaign flag-off therefore provides an opportunity to consolidate its political structures, strengthen relationships with regional stakeholders and seek broader support among voters.
The APC is expected to use subsequent campaign activities to present its record in government and promote its policy priorities under the proposed “Renewed Hope 2.0” agenda.
As the 2027 election approaches, the campaign will test the ruling party’s ability to translate its message of continuity and prosperity into convincing arguments about the administration’s record and its plans for a second term.
