Campaign flag-off: Tinubu shuts down Kaduna
Kaduna State Leaders Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election at Campaign Launch
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other prominent leaders gathered to express their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he embarks on his campaign for the 2027 election. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Sani emphasized the importance of voter participation, stating, “Your prosperity is here. Your future is in your hands. Your fingerprints on the ballot will determine it.” He cautioned the audience against misinformation and efforts to mislead voters.
During the event, Sani credited the federal government for significant interventions in various sectors, including transportation, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security. He noted that these initiatives have revitalized hopes in Kaduna State and other regions of Northern Nigeria. The governor urged residents to support continuity in governance during the upcoming elections.
Highlighting recent infrastructural developments, Sani mentioned the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, a 123-kilometer project that has been dormant for over 40 years, with N178 billion allocated for its completion. He recalled a campaign visit by Tinubu to Birnin Gwari amid security concerns and reiterated the president’s commitment to enhancing security in the area. “Today, you can travel to Birnin Gwari without a police escort. That is progress, Mr. President, and we thank you for it,” Sani said.
Additionally, the governor reported the reopening of more than 300 schools and over 150 primary healthcare centers that had previously closed due to insecurity in the state. He acknowledged the ongoing reconstruction of the Zaria-Soba-Kambuwa road and the planned Kaduna metropolitan light rail project, for which $865 million has been sanctioned, with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation mobilized with $300 million.
In terms of educational support, Sani revealed that the North-West region has benefitted from N84 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), aiding approximately 414,000 students.
Senator AbdulAzeez Yari, Director-General of the Tinubu presidential campaign, emphasized Kaduna’s strategic importance as the launch site for the campaign, applauding local APC leaders for their efforts in organizing the event. He downplayed accusations that the federal government is unsupportive of farmers, asserting that nearly two million farmers have pledged their backing for Tinubu due to improvements in their livelihoods under the current administration. Yari also defended the economic policies of the government, noting an increase in foreign reserves from about $33.9 billion to approximately $54.7 billion since Tinubu took office.
Yari appealed to traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and community leaders to galvanize support for Tinubu, asserting that continuity is essential for national development and peace. “By God’s grace, Northern Nigeria is 101 percent behind you, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we are determined to deliver our promise in the 2027 general election,” Yari declared.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also spoke at the event, asserting that the APC has shown its dedication to national unity and development through collaboration with state governments. He pointed to the party’s victory in the 2023 election as a result of public belief in its leadership, contrasting it with the perceived risks of an alternative administration.
Shettima praised Kaduna residents for electing Governor Sani, highlighting his role in fostering unity among the state’s diverse communities. He noted that the benefits of democracy have extended across the state, creating an environment where residents view one another as family.
The vice president also outlined federal support for educational initiatives, including the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia and the elevation of the Federal College of Education in Zaria to a university status. He defended Tinubu’s political engagement with Northern Nigeria, recalling the president’s historical support for leaders from the region and urging Northern voters to reciprocate this goodwill in the upcoming election.
