By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu may have sparked fresh debate following his claim that hundreds of thousands of supporters from across Northern Nigeria turned out in Kaduna for the flag-off of his APC 2027 presidential campaign, describing the reception as overwhelming.
In a message following the rally, Tinubu said the gathering demonstrated the warmth of support he continues to enjoy in the region, where he appeared alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“Today, you filled this city again, hundreds of thousands of you from across the North, and I felt the warmth of your support,” the President said.
Although, the media arm of the APC Presidential Campaign Council had earlier released aerial photos that depicted mammoth crowd crammed inside the 25, 000 capacity stadium, social media critics quickly flagged the photos as ‘fake’ images generated through Artificial Intelligence, AI.
Anambradaily has not independently verified the claims and counter claims trailing the crowd size that attended the rally.
However, President Tinubu thanked Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for hosting the event and described the city as an important part of Nigeria’s political history.
The President also paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders, recalling their pre-independence gatherings in Kaduna.
Addressing the economic challenges facing Nigerians, Tinubu defended his administration’s policies, blaming previous governments for the hunger and poverty his opponents have criticised him over.
“My opponents talk about hunger and poverty. They created these problems. We are the ones working to eradicate them,” he declared.
He insisted that his administration had confronted longstanding economic challenges, including petrol subsidy-related fraud and fuel smuggling, and was laying the foundation for an economy that rewards hard work.
Acknowledging the hardship many Nigerians have experienced, Tinubu promised that the benefits of the reforms would eventually reach households and businesses.
“Your sacrifices will not be in vain,” he assured Nigerians, adding that he would continue working until the country’s economic progress was reflected in citizens’ daily lives.
Tinubu also praised APC governors for infrastructure and social development projects, including roads, hospitals, schools and markets, arguing that increased government revenues had supported development across their states.
He urged voters to support his re-election bid alongside Shettima in the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
“Your future is in your hands, and your fingerprints at the ballot will help determine it,” he said.
Rally Attendance Claim Draws Attention
Although, the President’s claim that hundreds of thousands attended the rally places the size of the gathering at the centre of attention, his statement did not provide independently verified attendance figures to substantiate the estimate.
The rally marks the beginning of the APC’s campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu seeking to convince Nigerians that his economic reforms will deliver lasting improvements in living standards.
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