Security has been tightened across Kaduna metropolis ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s expected visit on Saturday, October 24, 2026, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign flag-off.
Security personnel have been deployed to protect campaign posters and billboards bearing the images of Tinubu and other APC leaders, amid preparations for the anticipated rally at the Kaduna Township Stadium.
Personnel of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are among those assigned to safeguard campaign materials, particularly along major roads leading to the stadium.
A security operative who spoke to Daily Trust said some personnel had been assigned to protect the campaign materials from the Township Stadium area to Kawo.
“We were assigned alongside KASTLEA marshals to protect Tinubu’s billboards and posters from being vandalised before the campaign rally. Our duty is mostly at night because that is when the youths can carry out such acts,” the operative said.
The source added that the deployment followed a circular issued by the unit directing selected personnel to provide security for the campaign materials.
Efforts to obtain an immediate response from the relevant government authorities on the reason for the deployment were unsuccessful.
Police, Other Security Operatives Patrol Major Roads
Security arrangements have also been strengthened at strategic locations across Kaduna metropolis ahead of the presidential visit.
A Daily Trust correspondent who monitored the situation observed police officers and plain-clothes operatives stationed at major roads and roundabouts, where they monitored motorists and other road users.
Police patrol vehicles were sighted around the rally venue and along Ahmadu Bello Way, including the roundabout near the former NEPA office.
Armed police officers were also observed around the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital roundabout as preparations for the event intensified.
Tinubu is expected to be joined by governors from the seven North-West states for the campaign-related event, which is expected to attract APC supporters and other political stakeholders from across the country.
Kaduna Township Stadium Gets Facelift Ahead of Rally
The Kaduna Township Stadium has been renovated and decorated ahead of Saturday’s APC presidential campaign flag-off.
The approximately 8,000-capacity facility has been repainted, while APC flags and campaign materials have been displayed around the stadium and on roads leading to the venue.
Billboards and posters featuring Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have also been mounted across the surrounding areas.
Facilities inside the stadium, including the conveniences and pavilion, have been prepared for guests expected to attend the rally.
The stadium shares a boundary with the Kaduna State Police Command headquarters. Vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force’s special response team were seen stationed around the entrance as security measures were stepped up.
Access to the venue has also been restricted ahead of the rally, with the premises decorated with campaign posters, APC flags and maintained green lawns.
A Kaduna resident, Umar Abdullahi, said the stadium had undergone a noticeable transformation ahead of the event.
“They have decorated the place with APC flags and billboards of the president and other political aspirants. The whole stadium has a new look,” he said.
Abdullahi added that security personnel, particularly police officers, had been seen around the facility.
The stadium is located outside major residential areas, with several surrounding buildings occupied by government ministries, agencies, a hospital, courts and police barracks.
Balarabe Expresses Satisfaction With Preparations
The chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the APC’s 2027 presidential campaign flag-off, Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has expressed satisfaction with preparations for the event.
Balarabe spoke on Wednesday evening after inspecting facilities at the Kaduna Township Stadium 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.
The deputy governor said the organising committee had held extensive discussions with security professionals at state and federal levels on arrangements before, during and after the rally.
She said attendees would undergo screening before being allowed into the stadium, assuring prospective participants of their safety during the event.
Balarabe added that the committee expected a large turnout of party members and supporters from across the country, describing the North-West as an APC stronghold.
Hotels Fully Booked as Mobilisation Continues
Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said mobilisation was ongoing ahead of the presidential campaign flag-off.
According to Maiyaki, hotels and service apartments across Kaduna metropolis had been fully booked as visitors prepared to arrive for the event.
He described Kaduna’s selection as the host of the campaign flag-off as a privilege and said residents were eager to welcome Tinubu.
The rally is expected to bring together APC leaders, governors from the seven North-West states, party supporters and other political stakeholders as the party begins activities linked to its 2027 presidential campaign.