President Bola Tinubu has formally launched his 2027 presidential campaign in Kaduna, calling on voters across the North to support his bid for another term alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu, who addressed a large gathering in Kaduna, thanked the people of the state and supporters from across the North for the reception at the campaign flag-off.
The President recalled his previous political journey in Kaduna and said he was pleased to return to the city alongside Shettima and their wives.
Reflecting on Kaduna's place in Nigeria's history, Tinubu also remembered the country's founding leaders who gathered in the city before independence and prayed for Allah to grant them forgiveness and eternal peace.
He used the occasion to defend his administration's economic reforms, arguing that the challenges of hunger and poverty being raised by his opponents were problems his government was working to address.
According to Tinubu, the removal of the fuel subsidy, the fight against fraudulent invoices and the efforts to curb fuel smuggling were necessary steps towards rebuilding the economy.
He acknowledged that the reforms had come with difficulties for Nigerians but said the sacrifices would eventually produce results.
"I know the road has been hard. I hear you," Tinubu said, adding that he would continue working until the benefits of the reforms were reflected in the homes, businesses and pockets of Nigerians.
The President also praised APC governors for implementing projects in their respective states, including roads, hospitals, schools and markets. He attributed the increased revenue available to the states to the reforms undertaken by his administration.
Tinubu said salaries were now being paid regularly in the states and expressed confidence in the development projects being implemented by the governors.
He urged Nigerians to participate in the 2027 presidential election and vote for him and Shettima on January 16, 2027.
"Come out with your PVCs and give Vice President Kashim Shettima and me the mandate to finish what we started," Tinubu said.
He also thanked Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a befitting start to the campaign and appreciated the people of Kaduna for their continued support.