Security Tightened in Kaduna Ahead of Tinubu’s Campaign Rally

Security has been tightened across Kaduna ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s expected visit on Saturday, October 24, 2026, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off.

Personnel have been stationed at strategic locations across the city to protect campaign posters and billboards and prevent possible vandalism before the rally.

According to Daily Trust, members of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are among those assigned to the duty.

A security operative told the newspaper that personnel had been deployed to guard campaign materials along the route between the Kaduna Township Stadium and Kawo.

The source said the assignment included night patrols because officials believed campaign materials could be at greater risk of vandalism during those hours.

The deployment reportedly followed an internal circular directing some personnel to provide security for the campaign materials.

Police presence increased across Kaduna

Police officers and plain-clothes security personnel were also observed at major roads and roundabouts across the metropolis as preparations intensified.

Patrol vehicles were sighted around the Kaduna Township Stadium and along Ahmadu Bello Way, including the roundabout near the former NEPA office.

Armed police officers were also seen around the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital roundabout.

The security presence forms part of wider preparations for the expected arrival of Tinubu and political leaders attending the campaign event.

The rally is expected to attract APC supporters, party officials and other political stakeholders from Kaduna and other parts of the country.

Kaduna Township Stadium gets a facelift

The Kaduna Township Stadium, which has a capacity of about 8,000 people, has been repainted and decorated ahead of the campaign launch.

APC flags and campaign billboards featuring Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have been displayed around the venue and along access roads.

Facilities inside the stadium, including the pavilions and conveniences, have also been prepared for guests.

The venue has been restricted to the public ahead of the rally, while police vehicles and other security personnel have been stationed around the entrance.

The stadium is located near the Kaduna State Police Command headquarters, adding to the security presence around the venue.

A resident, Umar Abdullahi, told Daily Trust that the decorations had given the stadium a new appearance ahead of the event.

Organisers express confidence in preparations

Kaduna State Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, who chairs the local organising committee for the campaign launch, expressed satisfaction with preparations during an inspection of the stadium.

She said the holding area, pavilions and conveniences were ready, with some final arrangements, including markings for the different states, still to be completed.

Balarabe said the committee had held extensive discussions with security professionals at state and federal levels to plan arrangements before, during and after the rally.

She added that attendees would undergo screening before entering the stadium and assured prospective participants that measures were being taken to protect their safety.

The organising committee expects a substantial turnout of party members and supporters from across Nigeria, with particular mobilisation efforts in the North-West.

Hotels report strong demand ahead of rally

Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture Ahmed Maiyaki said mobilisation was ongoing ahead of the president’s visit.

He also said hotels and service apartments across Kaduna metropolis had been fully booked as visitors prepared to travel to the state for the event.

Maiyaki described hosting the campaign flag-off as an honour for Kaduna State and said residents were looking forward to welcoming Tinubu.

Governors from the seven North-West states are expected to join the president at the rally, which is intended to formally launch the APC’s presidential campaign activities for the 2027 general elections.

Security and logistics remain the priority

With the rally approaching, authorities and organisers are focusing on crowd management, venue readiness and protection of campaign materials.

The planned screening of attendees, deployment of security personnel and restriction of access to the stadium are among the measures being put in place for the event.

The preparations come as the APC begins organising its campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with Kaduna set to host the party’s presidential campaign flag-off.