Security has been reinforced across Kaduna metropolis ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s expected visit on Saturday for the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign for the 2027 general elections.
Security operatives have been deployed to strategic locations across the city, while campaign posters and billboards featuring Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have been erected along major roads leading to the Kaduna Township Stadium, the venue of the rally.
Personnel of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have reportedly been assigned to protect the campaign materials, particularly at night when they are considered vulnerable to vandalism.
Police officers and plain-clothes operatives have also been stationed at major roads and roundabouts, while patrol vehicles were sighted around the stadium.
Tinubu is expected to attend the rally alongside governors from the seven North-West states, with party supporters and political stakeholders from different parts of the country anticipated to participate.
Preparations at the 8,000-capacity Kaduna Township Stadium were ongoing on Friday, with the facility repainted and decorated with APC flags ahead of the president’s arrival.
Roads leading to the venue have also been adorned with campaign billboards and posters, while the stadium’s pavilions, toilets and other facilities have been prepared for the expected guests.
Access to the premises has been restricted ahead of the event.
The chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations following an inspection of the stadium facilities on Wednesday evening.
Balarabe, who spoke with journalists after the inspection alongside members of her team, said most of the essential arrangements had been completed.
“I’m comfortable with what has been done so far; we have the holding area, the conveniences are ready, the pavilions are ready. What remains is the markings for the different states,” she said.
She disclosed that the committee had consulted experienced security personnel at both state and federal levels to review arrangements for the rally before, during and after the event.
According to her, attendees would undergo security screening before being admitted into the stadium, assuring participants that measures had been put in place to safeguard them.
The deputy governor also expressed confidence in the expected turnout, describing the North-West as a strong political base for the APC.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said mobilisation efforts were continuing ahead of the presidential campaign flag-off.
Maiyaki disclosed that hotels and service apartments across the metropolis had been fully booked, a development he said reflected preparations for the expected influx of visitors.
He described the hosting of the campaign flag-off as a privilege for Kaduna State, adding that residents were looking forward to welcoming the president.
