President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday arrived in Kaduna State ahead of the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress’ 2027 presidential campaign.
Tinubu was accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, while Shettima arrived with his wife, Nana. Their arrival marks a major step in the ruling party’s mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
The President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, announced Tinubu’s arrival in a post on X, stating that the President and First Lady had landed in Kaduna for the campaign event.
According to the post, Tinubu was received by Shettima and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, alongside other party officials.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also confirmed the President’s arrival, noting that the APC National Chairman and the Director-General of the campaign were among those who welcomed him at the airport.
Shettima’s arrival was separately announced in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, who said party leaders, governors, elected officials, political stakeholders and supporters were converging on the Kaduna Township Stadium for the campaign’s commencement.
Nkwocha said the event would provide the APC 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.
Ahead of the presidential visit, security agencies had tightened security across major parts of Kaduna metropolis, deploying personnel of 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.
Security operatives were stationed at major roundabouts and roads leading to the campaign venue, while Muhammadu Buhari Way, formerly known as WAFF Road, was blocked ahead of the movement of the President and his entourage.
The heavy security presence disrupted traffic in parts of the city, leaving motorists and commuters stranded in gridlock stretching from Junction Road to Ahmadu Bello Way as movement was restricted along some major routes.
The campaign flag-off comes as the APC steps up its preparations for the 2027 general election, with Tinubu seeking another term in office and party leaders expected to mobilise support across the country.