President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Kaduna on Saturday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepared to flag off its presidential campaign for the 2027 general elections.

The event was scheduled to take place at the Kaduna Township Stadium, where APC governors, party leaders, elected officials, political stakeholders and supporters gathered for the commencement of the party’s nationwide campaign.

Those who received Tinubu at the airport included APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; the Director-General of the presidential campaign, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari; and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani. Shettima arrived alongside his wife, Nana.

The Vice President’s arrival was announced in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, who described Kaduna as the starting point for the ruling party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the statement, the campaign would provide the APC with an opportunity to present its “Renewed Hope 2.0” agenda and highlight what it considers the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Security was also intensified across Kaduna metropolis ahead of the event. Personnel from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and Kaduna State Vigilance Service were deployed to strategic locations.

Security operatives barricaded major roundabouts and roads leading to the campaign venue. Muhammadu Buhari Way, formerly known as WAFF Road, was blocked ahead of the expected movement of the President and his entourage, while armed security personnel were stationed around the Ahmadu Bello Stadium roundabout.

The restrictions disrupted traffic in parts of the city, with congestion reportedly stretching from Junction Road to Ahmadu Bello Way. The measures formed part of the security arrangements for the high-profile political gathering.

The campaign marks the beginning of the APC’s effort to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. The party is expected to use the campaign to promote its policy agenda and defend its record in government as political activities build towards the 2027 polls.