By Muhammad Garba
Kaduna, a historic centre of Northern Nigerian politics, once again became a major political gathering point on Saturday, October 24, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) rallied support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
The large turnout at the Kaduna Township Stadium, alongside the presence of governors, former governors, legislators and party leaders, demonstrated the President’s continued support within important sections of the Northern political establishment and reaffirmed the APC’s determination to consolidate its political base in the region.
Beyond the crowd and campaign spectacle, the rally highlighted Tinubu’s longstanding political relationships with Northern leaders and the role those alliances continue to play in Nigerian politics.
Tinubu’s relationship with the North predates his presidency. During the early 1990s, he aligned with the political network associated with General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently became senator for Lagos West on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform in 1992. His political journey has since involved alliances with several Northern figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Nuhu Ribadu, Muhammadu Buhari and Aminu Tambuwal, although their political interests have differed at various times.
These relationships illustrate Tinubu’s experience in political coalition-building across regional boundaries. They also provide historical context for his longstanding engagement with Northern political leaders and institutions.
The emergence of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) reflects efforts to translate that political history into broader public engagement ahead of the 2027 general election. The movement provides a platform for supporters to promote the Tinubu administration’s policies, highlight its development priorities and strengthen grassroots mobilisation across Northern Nigeria.
Initiatives such as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, regional development commissions, transport infrastructure projects and investments in education and healthcare are evidence of the administration’s commitment to Northern development. Projects along the Abuja-Kaduna road corridor and other transport routes have also featured prominently in the administration’s development agenda.
At the Kaduna rally, the President participated in a symbolic inauguration associated with an 81-kilometre section of the Kaduna-Abuja highway, while Governor Uba Sani highlighted federal interventions in Kaduna state.
These infrastructure projects underscore the importance of improved transport connectivity to economic activity, regional integration and the movement of people and goods. Continued investment in roads, education, healthcare and other essential services remains central to the administration’s development priorities for Northern Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima urged supporters to renew the APC’s mandate, while Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in Northern Nigeria. Their remarks reflected the APC’s determination to consolidate its political base, strengthen party unity and sustain mobilisation ahead of 2027.
The rally also highlighted the importance of extending political engagement beyond major gatherings into communities, markets, motor parks, youth organisations and local associations. Through sustained grassroots engagement, the APC and its supporters can communicate the administration’s priorities, showcase ongoing projects and strengthen relationships with communities across the region.
The 2027 general election remains an important milestone for the APC as it builds on its political networks, promotes its development agenda and mobilises support for President Tinubu’s leadership.
Kaduna has therefore provided an important platform for Tinubu’s base to demonstrate continued presence in Northern politics. It has also renewed attention to the political alliances that have shaped his career and the administration’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and support.
As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the Kaduna rally stands as a demonstration of the APC’s political organisation, the enduring relationships between Tinubu and influential Northern leaders and the determination of his supporters to sustain the administration’s development agenda.
The Kaduna rally represents a renewed commitment to political unity, continuity and the pursuit of a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria under Tinubu’s leadership.