Residents of Kaduna metropolis have expressed expectations ahead of Saturday’s inauguration of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, urging for measures to address economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.
Some residents who spoke in separate interviews on Tuesday urged peaceful, hitch-free campaigns.
A trader, Iro Janaidu, said the president should use the campaign to explain how his administration intends to ease the rising cost of living and improve the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“We want to see a reduction in the prices of food and other essential commodities. Life is becoming difficult for ordinary people, and we want to know what the government is doing or intends to do within the shortest possible time to change the situation,” he said.
Musa Lawal, a resident, said improved security should be a major priority, urging the government to strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.
“People want to go about their businesses without fear. We expect the president to tell Nigerians what more his government will do to ensure lasting peace and security,” Mr Lawal said.
Anthony Timothy, a youth, said the campaign should allow the president to outline concrete plans to tackle unemployment and expand opportunities for young people.
“Young people need jobs and opportunities to become self-reliant. We want commitments that will translate into real opportunities, not just promises during campaigns,” Mr Timothy said.
Another resident, Larai Kayit, said Nigerians wanted to see measurable results from government policies, stressing that campaign promises should be followed by tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare.
“Beyond the campaign, what matters to us is the impact of government policies on our daily lives, as we want to see results that ordinary Nigerians can feel,” she said.
Meanwhile, preparations for the campaign are becoming visible in parts of Kaduna metropolis, where campaign posters and billboards bearing photographs of Mr Tinubu and other APC leaders have been mounted along major roads, including Independence Way.
The Kaduna chapter of the APC has declared its readiness to host the president. Its state publicity secretary, Muhammad Sani, said the party is mobilising supporters across the state for the ruling party’s historic inaugural campaign.
(NAN)
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