Kaduna agog as Tinubu flags off 2027 presidential campaign in crocodile city

By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The ancient crocodile city of Kaduna is wearing a new look. It is a jamboree mood as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will on Saturday, flags off his 2027 presidential campaign in the state, the former headquarters of the Northern region.

Finishing touches are being put to efforts to beautify major streets, roundabouts, and entry points into the metropolis, as plans are in top gear to ensure adequate accommodations and transportation for guests expected to grace the flag-off ceremony.

The chair of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the flag-off and deputy governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has declared that Kaduna is fully ready to receive President Tinubu and thousands of supporters on Saturday.

Dr. Balarabe disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday evening after she and members of her team inspected facilities at Kaduna Township Stadium, the venue for the flag-off.

According to her, she is comfortable with the level of work done so far at the stadium, noting that the holding areas, conveniences, and pavilions are ready for the historic event.

“What remains is the markings for the different states,” she said, adding that the LOC has taken care of all logistical details.

The deputy governor said the LOC had deliberated extensively on security arrangements before, during, and after the presidential rally, in consultation with seasoned security professionals at both the state and federal levels.

She said people would be screened before gaining access to the stadium, assuring everyone of their safety within and around the arena.

Dr. Balarabe added that the committee anticipates a large turnout of party faithful and supporters from across the country because the Northwest remains an APC stronghold.

Similarly, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has expressed satisfaction with the arrangements on the ground during a last-minute inspection of some of the facilities to be used for the flag-off.

As of the time of filing this report, many governors, the APC national chairman, and other party chieftains had already arrived in Kaduna for the event.

Security presence is also visibly heightened in and around the city, with patrols along major roads leading to the stadium and around hotels where guests are lodged.

Meanwhile, Kaduna residents have continued to react to the flag-off, with many expressing optimism about its economic and political benefits to the state.

Alhaji Musa Danjuma, a trader at Central Market, said the influx of visitors had already boosted business activities, adding that “this is good for Kaduna, hotels are full and we traders are making sales.”

Mrs. Grace John, a resident of Malali, said hosting the president’s campaign flag-off in Kaduna shows the importance the party attaches to the state, describing it as recognition of Kaduna’s political relevance in the North.

Another resident, Ibrahim Lawal of Barnawa, said the beautification exercise has given the city a fresh look and urged the government to sustain the cleanliness even after the event.

For Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed of Tudun Wada, the flag-off will create opportunities for young people as vendors and transportation operators benefit from the large crowd.

However, some residents expressed concerns over the likely inconveniences that may accompany the massive rally.

Mr. Chill, a commercial driver in Kaduna, said he feared that traffic gridlock and road closures might affect movement on Saturday, and appealed to the LOC to provide alternative routes.

Similarly, Miss Fatima Bello, a student at Kaduna State University, said that while the event is welcome, security agencies should ensure residents going about their normal business are not harassed.

Despite the few concerns, the general mood in Kaduna remains celebratory as the crocodile city awaits President Tinubu’s arrival for the 2027 APC presidential campaign flag-off.