Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, has witnessed increased political activity ahead of a mega rally organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to a report by Leadership, buses conveying APC members and supporters from across the North-Central region began arriving in the city on Friday, October 9, ahead of the rally scheduled for Saturday, October 10.

Some of the buses reportedly displayed images of Tinubu, Shettima and governors from the region, while chartered interstate buses brought additional groups of supporters to the state capital.

The event is being organised under the North Central Grassroots Mobilisation Network for Tinubu and Shettima’s re-election campaign. The network has presented the rally as an opportunity to coordinate party structures and demonstrate support for the president’s second-term ambition.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi A. Sule is hosting the event, while First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is expected to headline the gathering. Party leaders, governors, ministers, lawmakers and grassroots organisers from the six North-Central states and the Federal Capital Territory were expected to participate. <Cite refs={["turn594088search1","turn594088search7"]}/>

Security arrangements have also been a major feature of preparations. Leadership reported a heavy deployment of security personnel along major streets and around Lafia Square, the venue of the rally. The publication also reported restrictions at some entry points and increased activity around the airport expected to receive visiting dignitaries.

The Nasarawa State Police Command had earlier appealed to political parties planning events for the same day to consider rescheduling them. The police said the request was intended to reduce the risk of clashes between rival supporters, prevent security breaches and ensure the safe movement of dignitaries. <Cite refs={["turn594088search13","turn594088search14"]}/>

The rally follows a series of meetings involving APC stakeholders from the North-Central region. At a meeting in Abuja on October 8, party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising supporters for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda said the party’s regional leaders had agreed to coordinate their political structures for the event. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and other senior officials have also been involved in the mobilisation initiative. <Cite refs={["turn594088search1","turn594088search4"]}/>

Beyond the rally, the network has outlined plans for grassroots engagement, including town hall meetings, advocacy activities and medical outreach programmes. It has also discussed establishing a reconciliation committee to address disagreements within the party.

The APC’s stated objective is to strengthen its presence across Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, and increase its electoral support in 2027.

The gathering is part of the party’s early mobilisation efforts ahead of the next general elections. However, the political commitments expressed by party leaders represent campaign objectives rather than evidence of how voters will ultimately decide.

As preparations continue, security agencies are expected to manage movement around the venue and help ensure that political activities take place peacefully. The turnout and wider significance of the rally will be clearer once the event has taken place and attendance figures are available.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia