By: Former Kano Commissioner of Information, Muhammad Garba
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has used a rally in Kaduna to reaffirm its political engagement with Northern Nigeria as the party begins preparations for the 2027 general election.
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The rally, held at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Saturday, October 24, attracted governors, former governors, lawmakers and party leaders, providing a platform for supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate their political mobilisation in the region.
The gathering also drew attention to Tinubu’s longstanding relationships with influential Northern political figures, which have played a role in shaping his political career and cross-regional alliances.
Tinubu’s engagement with Northern political networks dates back to the early 1990s, when he was associated with the political circle linked to General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. He subsequently became a senator representing Lagos West in 1992 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Over the years, Tinubu has maintained political relationships with several prominent Northern figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Nuhu Ribadu, former President Muhammadu Buhari and Aminu Tambuwal, although their political alignments have varied over time.
These relationships have contributed to his experience in coalition-building across Nigeria’s political and regional divides.
The emergence of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) is part of efforts by his supporters to expand public engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
The movement seeks to promote the administration’s policies, communicate its development priorities and strengthen grassroots mobilisation across Northern Nigeria.
Supporters of the administration have pointed to initiatives such as the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, regional development commissions, transport infrastructure projects and investments in education and healthcare as evidence of its development agenda for the region.
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At the Kaduna rally, President Tinubu participated in a symbolic inauguration linked to an 81-kilometre section of the Kaduna-Abuja highway, while Governor Uba Sani highlighted federal interventions in Kaduna State.
Improved road infrastructure is expected to support the movement of people and goods, strengthen economic activities and enhance connections between communities.
However, the impact of such projects will depend on their implementation, accessibility and sustained maintenance.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Vice President Kashim Shettima called for a renewed APC 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 party’s efforts to consolidate its support base, strengthen internal unity and sustain mobilisation ahead of the next general election.
Beyond large political gatherings, the party’s engagement with communities, markets, motor parks, youth organisations and local associations is expected to remain an important part of its mobilisation strategy. Such interactions also provide opportunities for residents to seek clarification on government policies and assess their effects on everyday life.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the Kaduna rally has brought renewed attention to Tinubu’s political alliances in the North and the APC’s efforts to maintain its presence in the region.
The administration’s development commitments, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other essential services, are likely to remain central to discussions about its record and priorities ahead of the elections.
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While the rally demonstrated the APC’s organisational capacity and the participation of prominent political figures, the extent to which the gathering reflects wider public opinion across Northern Nigeria remains a separate question that will require broader evidence.
The Kaduna event therefore served both as a show of party mobilisation and an opportunity for Tinubu’s supporters to reaffirm their commitment to his leadership ahead of the 2027 general election.
