Thousands of supporters of President Bola Tinubu on Friday took to the streets of Kaduna State for a solidarity walk organised by the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council ahead of Saturday’s campaign rally.
The procession, led by the Head of the APC Support Group Directorate, Silas Agara, and observed by our correspondent, began around the Savannah Bank area and proceeded to the Kaduna State Government House, where Governor Uba Sani received the delegation. The participants later returned to the APC Ciki da Waje State Secretariat.
The streets of Kaduna were adorned with APC flags bearing messages of support for Tinubu, as participants expressed their solidarity through drumming, dancing and other celebratory activities.
PUNCH Online correspondent, who arrived in Kaduna on Friday evening, observed that almost all hotels in the city centre and the Barnawa area were fully booked, while APC members and campaign vehicles moved around the city.
Governor Uba Sani, who received the support groups at the state secretariat, praised their mobilisation efforts and commended Tinubu’s achievements, expressing confidence in the President’s support in Kaduna State.
He stressed the need for political participation, unity and continuous engagement with citizens ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sani said, “We welcome the support group leaders and members to Kaduna State. Your presence demonstrates your commitment to the political process and your willingness to engage citizens on the direction of our country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to pursue policies and programmes aimed at addressing Nigeria’s challenges and laying the foundation for sustainable development. We recognise the importance of the ongoing reforms and the need to communicate their objectives and impact to Nigerians.
“Kaduna State will support President Tinubu and vote massively for him in recognition of his achievements. We encourage our supporters to remain united, peaceful and committed to engaging the people as we prepare for Saturday’s rally.”
Agara thanked Sani for receiving the delegation and commended the support group leaders and members for their contributions to the mobilisation exercise.
He emphasised the importance of coordination, grassroots engagement and teamwork among support groups ahead of the campaign rally.
The head of the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s Support Group Directorate said, “Today’s solidarity walk demonstrates our commitment to organising and coordinating support groups ahead of the campaign. We have brought together members from different groups to demonstrate unity of purpose and strengthen our collective participation in the political process.
“We appreciate Governor Uba Sani for receiving us and providing an opportunity for engagement as we prepare for Saturday’s rally. This mobilisation is part of our responsibility to ensure that support groups are organised, active and ready to participate in the campaign.
“Our task goes beyond carrying flags and participating in processions. We must engage citizens, communicate the policies and programmes of the administration, and ensure that Nigerians understand the issues at stake. We are determined to work together, strengthen our structures and sustain our mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections.”
Other prominent figures associated with the engagement included former Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; North-West Coordinator of the Support Group Directorate, Bafa Dan Agundi; Tosin Shoga; the directorate’s secretaries I and II, Tosin Adeyanju and Tosin Shogar; and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi.
Tinubu, 31 state governors and thousands of APC leaders and members were expected in Kaduna State on Saturday for the launch of the President’s re-election campaign, as the ruling party sought to consolidate support in the North, which accounts for 56.01 million of Nigeria’s 103.43 million registered voters.
The campaign flag-off was expected to attract governors and other party chieftains, with the APC counting on what its leaders described as growing support among northern stakeholders and voters to boost Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.