Kaduna State officials report progress on the All Progressives Congress’ opening rally for the 2027 presidential campaign, with the event scheduled in the state for Saturday, Oct. 24.
Kaduna State Deputy Gov. Hadiza Balarabe, who chairs the rally’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), inspected Kaduna Township Stadium on Wednesday evening, Oct. 21. She described preparations as nearing completion, with markings for areas assigned to different states still unfinished. The holding area, pavilions and public conveniences were ready, she said.
Balarabe said the LOC had consulted security professionals at state and federal levels about measures for before, during and after the rally. People entering the venue would be screened, she said.
Ahmed Maiyaki, Kaduna State commissioner for information and culture, said mobilization was continuing. Hotels and service apartments in Kaduna metropolis were fully booked, he said. The LOC expects a large crowd, citing the APC’s strength in the North-West, but has not given an attendance estimate. Maiyaki described the rally as a chance for Kaduna residents to show support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party.
The APC said Tinubu inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council on Oct. 14, ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The State House named former Zamfara State Gov. Abdulaziz Yari as director-general, while Tinubu said the council would lead campaign activity nationwide. Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lists Jan. 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
The Kaduna APC’s publicity secretary announced the rally date at an Oct. 12 news conference, the News Agency of Nigeria reported. A memo attributed to council secretary Hope Uzodimma said members were scheduled to consider a campaign calendar and discuss preparations for Kaduna. The memo also limited invitations to 134 people and called for directors and directorate secretaries to attend. EconoTimes previously reported on the planned meeting.
The campaign launch remains scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24.
