Defence Minister Christopher Musa says security and logistical arrangements are in place ahead of Saturday’s presidential campaign flag-off.
KADUNA, Nigeria — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stepped up preparations for the formal launch of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, with Defence Minister Christopher Musa declaring Kaduna State ready to host the event on Saturday.
Thousands of party leaders, delegates and supporters are expected to converge on the state capital for the campaign flag-off, scheduled for 24 October, as the ruling party begins its nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Musa gave the assurance after inspecting Ranchers Bees Stadium, the venue for the rally, where he assessed security arrangements, crowd management plans and the readiness of the facilities.
According to a statement from his media office, preparations across Kaduna had reached an advanced stage, with organising committees, security agencies and party officials working together to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
The minister, who also serves as secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee on Intelligence, said the arrangements were intended to guarantee the safety of President Tinubu, party leaders and supporters expected from across the country.
APC allies mobilise support for Tinubu
Meanwhile, senior party figures and campaign groups have intensified efforts to rally support for the president’s second-term bid.
Dr Betta Edu, co-chair of the women mobilisation directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said the campaign would focus on grassroots engagement, particularly among women.
Edu said the directorate was targeting close to 40 million votes for Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, stressing that achieving the goal would require sustained engagement with communities and a better understanding of their concerns.
She also expressed confidence that the administration’s economic reforms would create conditions for greater prosperity, although the impact of those policies on household incomes and living standards remains a key issue for voters.
Separately, the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals (FORCEPA) said it had mobilised more than 100,000 supporters for the Kaduna rally and pledged to support the president’s re-election campaign.
The group cited policy continuity as a reason for its support, while acknowledging that the success of the government’s reforms would depend on their ability to deliver jobs, higher incomes and improved living conditions.
Economic hardship and security likely to feature
The campaign launch comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with concerns about the cost of living, unemployment and insecurity.
Residents who spoke to Premium Times ahead of the rally called on the president to use the campaign to explain how his administration intends to address these challenges, with some stressing that citizens would judge the government by tangible improvements in their daily lives rather than campaign promises.
The Kaduna rally is expected to mark the beginning of the APC’s nationwide presidential campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 election.
As preparations enter their final stages, the event will provide the ruling party with an opportunity to present its record in government and make its case for another term, amid competing expectations over the country’s economic and security challenges.
