2027 Campaign Flag-Off: Tinubu’s Aide Thanks Nigerians For Warm Welcome In Kaduna

… Commends Media

​NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Kaduna residents and Nigerians at large for the warm reception accorded him during the flag-off of his 2027 presidential campaign in Kaduna on Saturday.

Addressing a press briefing on Sunday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council Secretariat,  member Media and Strategic Communication Directorate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, Otunba Segun Showunmi also lauded the patience and professional conduct of the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

Showunmi further emphasized the necessity of rotational presidency to ensure that every part of Nigeria feels a sense of belonging, inclusion, and national cohesion.

“On behalf of everything good in our country, the memories of our history, where we are coming from as a people, and our long journey in nation-building… the factors that brought us into democracy, the sustenance of this democracy for the longest period in our history, the evolution from a one-party system to multiparty democracy, the successful, civilian-to-civilian transfer of power, and now a point where elections, campaigns, voting, and sensitization have become part of our political culture—it is because of men and women in the newsroom that Nigeria has a true understanding of what we call democracy,” Showunmi stated.

He expressed gratitude for the successful flag-off, and praised Kaduna for its unique social harmony. “For hosting the President and his entire campaign team yesterday, and for the massive turn-out, the level of peace, camaraderie, happiness, energy, and the unique unity of Kaduna… I could not leave without coming to thank you. The stability of a nation rests in the hands of those who own bylines, hold the microphone, and manage communication,” he said.

​Showunmi called on media practitioners to act as strict guardians of the profession against the rising tide of misinformation.

​”I have come to beg you to help us sustain a reasonable narrative of communication. You are trained professionals. Evolution is taking place in our field, and if we do not maintain serious guardrails to prevent our profession from being hijacked by charlatans—who carry phones, write falsehoods, manipulate facts, and instigate society—what would be our duty as the Fourth Estate?”

​He urged journalists to hold political actors accountable: “The pitch of politics has started, but you own the communication channels. First, help us insist that everyone—whether opposition or ruling party—stays on message. Second, help us stop them when they peddle lies. Do not allow them to use the communication superhighway to turn society against itself.”

​Describing Kaduna as “the Lagos of the North,” he highlighted its peaceful multi-ethnic and multi-religious coexistence, warning against divisive rhetorics disguised as democratic engagement.

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​Reflecting on political history and current leadership , Showunmi defended the administration’s milestones, drawing parallels with past leaders and highlighting ongoing reforms in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.

He noted the extensive road construction projects spearheaded by the Minister of Works, which have generated local employment, alongside policies expanding student loan access to give children from less-privileged backgrounds a chance at higher education.

He pointed to government-backed reductions in dialysis costs (from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000) and subsidies for maternal care (Caesarean sections), while emphasizing increased financial allocations to local governments and timely salary and pension payments.

On insecurity he acknowledged improvements in national security, noting a faster response time in rescuing kidnap victims and a visible security footprint across the country.

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​ Underscoring the importance of power rotation, Showunmi argued that institutionalizing regional rotation fosters fairness, predictability, and political stability.

​”When power is in the North—if it is their time—they will present capable hands, and we will choose one without unnecessary quarrels. When it is time to go to the South, we will do the same. This is useful not only for national planning but also for regional harmony,” he explained.

​He concluded with an impassioned appeal to media practitioners to safeguard the nation’s democracy, combat divisive politics, and take pride in Nigeria’s status as the leading Black nation in the world.

​”I bring you greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the campaign spokesperson Mr. Dele Alake, Asiwaju Onanuga, the First Lady, and the entire Federal Government,” Showunmi added.

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