Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has described the turnout at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally in Kaduna State as evidence of support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Speaking at the rally on Saturday, Idris expressed confidence in Tinubu’s popularity and his administration’s reform agenda, urging Nigerians to look beyond social media reports and opposition criticism.
“We have always been saying this: forget about all the social media news, forget about all the talk from the opposition. Asiwaju is loved by Nigerians,” Idris said.
He described Kaduna as a significant location for the campaign flag-off, citing its historical importance as the former capital of Northern Nigeria. He added that the presence of supporters from different political backgrounds reflected a willingness to unite behind Tinubu and his policies.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the country, Idris expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms would improve economic conditions and living standards.
“There may be challenges at this moment, but we are moving away from that. We are consolidating on progress, and Nigeria is going to be better for it,” he said.
The minister said the administration remained committed to economic growth, improved living conditions and sustainable national development.
“We are excited; everybody is excited. All of us are moving in the direction of progress, in the direction of prosperity, like the President has promised every Nigerian,” Idris said.
He also challenged opposition parties to demonstrate their level of public support, maintaining that the rally reflected enthusiasm for Tinubu’s campaign.
Idris expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 election, arguing that re-election would allow the administration to consolidate its reforms.
“Nigeria will vote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the second time, and Nigeria is going to march towards the prosperity that the president has promised all Nigerians,” he said.
Also speaking at the rally, the Minister of Solid Minerals and spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Dele Alake, described the gathering as an encouraging moment for the ruling party.
Alake said the crowd’s enthusiasm reflected the level of mobilisation and support the party expects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It is a very excited moment for most of us here. And I see the crowd here, lively. That is a pointer to what will happen in the next election,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election campaign, describing the president as a leader who had taken difficult decisions to address longstanding economic challenges.
According to Alake, the reforms were designed to reposition the country for sustainable development and establish a stronger foundation for future prosperity. He said Tinubu’s commitment to implementing the policies demonstrated his determination to leave a lasting legacy and put Nigeria on the path to development.
“Now, it is the season for prosperity. Nigerians are beginning to see the results of those reforms, and they have been trickling in, and they will continue to trickle in,” Alake said.
He added that the benefits of the reforms would continue to emerge, describing the rally as an opportunity for supporters to unite behind the president’s vision for Nigeria.
