The political battle over President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid has taken a new turn in Yobe State, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) mobilizing thousands of supporters in Damaturu to counter growing opposition calls for his removal.
The solidarity rally, held on Saturday under the banner of the “Tinubu Must Go Again, Cika Alkawari” movement, came weeks after protesters in Potiskum took to the streets demanding an end to Tinubu’s administration.
The October 1 protesters had accused the Federal Government of failing to address economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.
Some carried flags of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while insisting that their demonstration was an expression of frustration with the state of the country.
Saturday’s APC procession offered a contrasting political message, as youths, women and party loyalists marched through major streets of Damaturu, declaring support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
The demonstrators also endorsed the APC governorship candidate in the state, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, led the APC delegation, alongside other party stakeholders. The rally was coordinated by the movement’s National Coordinator, Professor Sherif Almuhajir, and State Coordinator, Dr Mukhtar Yarima Bularafa.
The procession started at the Damaturu flyover and ended at the Pilgrim Commission Office Complex along the Damaturu-Potiskum Road.
Carrying APC flags, Tinubu’s campaign posters and placards, the supporters praised what they described as achievements of the President’s administration.
Addressing the crowd, Goje said Yobe had benefited from cooperation between the state and Federal Government under Tinubu’s leadership.
He urged residents to maintain their support for the APC, crediting the partnership with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration for development efforts in the state.
Almuhajir also argued that Tinubu deserved another term, saying the movement would intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two rallies have exposed contrasting political sentiments in Yobe, with supporters of the ruling party campaigning for continuity while critics continue to raise concerns over economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.
While the Potiskum protest ended peacefully, Saturday’s Damaturu rally also recorded no reported security incident. It lasted from about 7:30am to 11:30am.
The competing street demonstrations suggest that Yobe is becoming an early theatre of political mobilization as parties and pressure groups position themselves for the 2027 elections.