Tinubu, Shettima Arrive Kaduna for APC’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Launch

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have arrived in Kaduna State for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tinubu arrived in the state on Saturday alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, while Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima, also travelled to Kaduna for the event.

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad announced Tinubu’s arrival in a post on X, stating that the APC National Chairman and the Director-General of the party’s presidential campaign were among those who received the President at the airport.

In a separate post featuring a video of Tinubu and the First Lady disembarking from the presidential aircraft, another presidential aide, Dada Olusegun, confirmed their arrival for the campaign launch.

Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, said Tinubu was welcomed by Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

Shettima’s arrival was also confirmed in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, who serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Nkwocha said APC leaders, state governors, elected officials, political stakeholders and party supporters were gathering at the Kaduna Township Stadium for the commencement of the nationwide presidential campaign.

He described the event as an opportunity for the ruling party 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.

The statement also declared, “Asiwaju is here. Northwest for the takeaway!”

Security Tightened Across Kaduna

Security was intensified across parts of Kaduna metropolis ahead of Tinubu’s arrival and the campaign event.

Personnel from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service and Kaduna State Vigilance Service were deployed to strategic locations across the city.

Security operatives took positions at major roundabouts and along roads leading to the campaign venue.

Muhammadu Buhari Way, formerly known as WAFF Road, which was expected to be used by the President and his entourage, was blocked by security personnel.

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium roundabout also witnessed a heavy security presence, with armed soldiers, police officers and plain-clothes operatives stationed in the area.

The security measures affected traffic movement in parts of the metropolis, resulting in congestion along major routes. The gridlock reportedly stretched from Junction Road to Ahmadu Bello Way, leaving some motorists and commuters stranded as access to certain roads was restricted.

The campaign flag-off forms part of the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general election, with party leaders and support groups expected to mobilise behind Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.