Kaduna Tightens Security, Protects Tinubu’s Billboards Ahead Of Visit  

Security has been tightened across Kaduna metropolis ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s expected visit on Saturday for the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign.

Security personnel have been deployed to strategic locations. At the same time, campaign posters and billboards bearing the images of Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have been mounted along major roads, particularly those 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) are among those assigned to protect the campaign materials, especially at night, when they are considered vulnerable to vandalism.

Police officers and plain-clothes operatives were also stationed at major roads and roundabouts across the metropolis, while patrol vehicles were seen around the stadium.

Tinubu is expected to be joined by governors from the seven North-West states for the rally, which is anticipated to attract party supporters and political stakeholders from across the country.

Preparations were ongoing at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Friday, with the 8,000-capacity facility repainted and decorated with APC flags ahead of the president’s arrival.

The roads leading to the venue have also been adorned with campaign posters and billboards, while the stadium’s pavilions, conveniences and other facilities have been prepared for guests. Access to the premises has been restricted ahead of the event.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the campaign flag-off and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has expressed satisfaction with preparations for the rally.

Balarabe spoke with journalists on Wednesday evening after inspecting the stadium facilities alongside members of her team.

“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 said the committee had held extensive discussions with experienced security personnel at state and federal levels to review arrangements for the rally before, during and after the event.

According to her, attendees would be screened before being allowed into the stadium. She assured participants that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure their safety.

Balarabe added that the committee expected a large turnout of party members and supporters from across the country, noting that the North-West remained an APC stronghold.

Also speaking, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said mobilisation efforts were continuing ahead of the rally.

He disclosed that hotels and service apartments across Kaduna metropolis had been fully booked, reflecting preparations for the expected influx of visitors.

Maiyaki described hosting the presidential campaign flag-off as a privilege for the state, adding that residents were eager to welcome Tinubu.