Security operatives have been deployed to guard campaign posters and billboards of President Bola Tinubu in Kaduna ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for Saturday, October 24.
The deployment comes as the state prepares to host Tinubu and other party leaders for the launch of the ruling party’s campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to reports, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) are among those assigned to protect campaign materials, particularly along major roads leading to the Kaduna Township Stadium, the venue of the rally.
A security operative involved in the assignment reportedly said personnel had been directed to prevent the vandalism of Tinubu’s campaign posters and billboards.
The operative, who spoke anonymously, said the duty was carried out particularly at night, when authorities feared the materials could be damaged.
The deployment reportedly covers parts of the route stretching from the stadium area towards Kawo.
Security presence has also increased around major roads and roundabouts in Kaduna metropolis ahead of the President’s expected visit.
Police officers and plain-clothes operatives have been sighted at strategic locations, while patrol vehicles have been stationed around the campaign venue and along Ahmadu Bello Way.
Armed police officers were also seen around the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital roundabout as preparations for the rally intensified.
The Kaduna Township Stadium has undergone renovation and decoration ahead of the event, with APC flags and campaign billboards featuring Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani displayed around the venue and adjoining roads.
Organisers have also prepared facilities inside the stadium for expected guests, while access to the venue has been restricted ahead of the campaign launch.
The rally is expected to bring together APC governors from the seven North-West states, party leaders, supporters and other political stakeholders.
Kaduna State Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, who chairs the rally’s Local Organising Committee, said preparations were progressing and that security arrangements had been discussed with relevant authorities.
She said attendees would undergo security screening before entering the venue.
The campaign flag-off marks a major step in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election, as political parties begin mobilising supporters and presenting their messages to voters.
The deployment to protect campaign materials has also drawn attention to the security arrangements surrounding the event. Authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of the specific threat that prompted the billboard-protection assignment.