The All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman in Kaduna State, Mohammed Sani Haruna, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his longstanding support of northern politicians seeking the presidency. Haruna cited Tinubu's past alliances with prominent northern leaders, demonstrating a commitment to political inclusion and northern aspirations. He made these remarks during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he expressed the party's readiness to host Tinubu's 2027 presidential campaign flag-off on October 24, 2026.
According to Haruna, Tinubu's support for northern politicians dates back to the early 1990s, when he aligned with the People's Front led by General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua. Tinubu supported Yar'Adua's presidential ambition during the SDP primary election in 1992. Haruna also cited Tinubu's support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in 2007 and former presidential candidate Nuhu Ribadu in 2011, providing them with political platforms to pursue their ambitions.
Haruna credited Tinubu and the APC with supporting former President Muhammadu Buhari's successful presidential bid in 2015. He noted that Tinubu did not publicly disparage Buhari's leadership during his eight-year administration, despite criticisms from some northern Nigerians. Haruna described Tinubu as a politician who has consistently supported northern presidential aspirants at different stages of his career.
The APC spokesman called on northern Nigerians to reciprocate Tinubu's support by backing his re-election bid in 2027. He described the decision to select Kaduna as the venue for Tinubu's campaign flag-off as a demonstration of the President's commitment to northern Nigeria. Kaduna's historical significance as the former capital of the Northern Region and its ethnic and religious diversity make it an appropriate location for the event.
Haruna described Kaduna as the "heartbeat of northern Nigeria," arguing that the city's historical and cultural significance extend beyond the state to the wider northern region. He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for selecting Kaduna to host the campaign event, saying it demonstrates the importance of the region to the President's political plans. Haruna assured the President and APC leadership that Kaduna State is prepared to host the campaign flag-off and mobilize a large number of supporters.
The APC spokesman attributed the party's claimed political strength in Kaduna to Governor Uba Sani's inclusive leadership style and efforts to bring different communities into the party. He claimed that the APC currently controls all elective positions across Kaduna's 23 local government areas, 255 wards, 16 federal constituencies, and three senatorial districts. Haruna said the state, under Governor Sani, is committed to delivering the two million votes reportedly promised to Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Haruna contrasted Governor Sani's administration with that of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing the former administration of demolishing homes and markets, dismissing thousands of workers, and mishandling religious and ethnic differences in the state. He argued that the 2023 general elections reflected voters' dissatisfaction with the previous administration's policies and governing style.
Key points
- Tinubu has a longstanding record of supporting northern politicians seeking the presidency.
- Kaduna State is ready to host Tinubu's 2027 presidential campaign flag-off on October 24, 2026.
- The APC in Kaduna State claims to have made significant inroads into areas previously supporting opposition parties.
