Tinubu Kicks Off 2027 Campaign in Kaduna

History has a way of picking its own places. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose Kaduna to launch his 2027 re-election campaign on Saturday, 24 October, he picked more than just a venue. He was sending a significant message.

Kaduna is Nigeria's political center. From here, the old Northern Region managed the entire North. It was here that important alliances were made. By starting his campaign in a place that still feels the North's heartbeat, Tinubu told northern Nigeria, "I have not forgotten you."

Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna was filled with party supporters who arrived as early as 7 a.m. Some even slept overnight at the stadium. President Tinubu's speech was confident and unusually personal.

"My good people of Kaduna, it’s good to be back here again. You have listened to many speeches. I’m not going to bore you down. I’m happy to be here with you."

The president thanked the people of Kaduna for their support in the 2023 election. He said he was there to seek their backing again for a second term to fulfill promises of prosperity, continuity, progress, and development.

For three years, Tinubu's biggest challenge has been the economy. On Saturday, he did not shy away from it.

He said: "I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger. We are trying to eradicate it."

He stated that his government has shown commitment to improving Nigerians' welfare through economic reforms, regular salary payments, and development programs by APC governors across the country.

Tinubu could not address Kaduna without talking about security. Three years ago, Birnin-Gwari was known for fear. Now, the Kaduna-Abuja road is safer, and farming is returning to Giwa and Soba. Tinubu credited the military efforts and Governor Uba Sani's non-violent approach.

Governor Uba Sani himself spoke about these achievements in security and infrastructure. He praised the president for his support and help in the state. For Kaduna, these words matter more than any statistics from Abuja.

Unlike in 2023, President Tinubu came to Kaduna this time with proof of his performance. This includes steady GDP growth, falling inflation, naira stability, doubled FAAC allocations to states, rising foreign reserves, infrastructure projects, NELFUND loans for needy students, and consumer credits for young people, among others. The message was clear: The first term was about fixing issues, while the second term will be about recovery, progress, and prosperity.

This is a strong argument, as even his critics admit that state governors now have more funds than before. President Tinubu emphasized the governors' achievements: "We pay salaries regularly. Our governors are working. I’m proud of them. They are developing. I salute all our governors today. I can see the development strides they are making in their various states."

For the North, it is a repayment of debt. President Tinubu got about 62 percent of his votes from the North in 2023. He made promises to the region and has kept them in terms of road and rail infrastructure, healthcare support, security improvements, and government appointments.

The Kaduna rally also featured key moments worth noting.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Tinubu's Campaign Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, talked about Tinubu’s support for key Northerners during his previous bid for the presidency.

In 2007, President Tinubu offered former Vice President Atiku Abubakar his ACN platform to run when former President Obasanjo pushed him out of the PDP. He also backed Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and late Muhammadu Buhari for president in 2015 and 2019.

According to them, Tinubu has supported our leaders for 20 years. Now, we should support him again for a second term. VP Shettima said that supporting Tinubu’s re-election is about honor, integrity, political loyalty, and appreciation for the president’s help in advancing Northern political leaders over the years.

With VP Shettima beside him, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Campaign DG Yari, and even former opponents like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governors Chukwuma Soludo and Ademola Adeleke now on his expanded Campaign Council, President Tinubu showed something the opposition lacks, a wide national coalition.

The APC aims for two million votes from Kaduna State. That is ambitious, but the meaning behind it is more important than the number. If President Tinubu can hold the North-West, with a Sokoto rally set for 2 December and Kano for 17 December, win the South-West, and split North-Central, it will be hard for Atiku’s ADC, Makinde’s APM, and Obi/Kwankwaso’s groups to compete.

While the opposition is still jumping from one small party to another, Tinubu is running on a solid national structure. Last Saturday in Kaduna, President Tinubu did not just kick off a campaign. He framed the 2027 election as a choice between continuity and chaos, between completing the reforms and stopping halfway. He is clear about what he believes should be done: finish the job.