The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State has triggered a political dispute, with opposition figures questioning President Bola Tinubu’s health and the level of public support for his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.
The campaign was officially launched at Ranchers Bees Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026. However, footage from the event and claims about attendance have since fuelled arguments between opposition figures and members of the ruling party.
Opposition raises concerns over Tinubu’s health
The controversy intensified after a video circulated online showing First Lady Remi Tinubu appearing to place what looked like medication into the President’s mouth during the rally.
The footage prompted speculation about Tinubu’s physical condition, with opposition figures arguing that he should prioritise his health over campaigning.
Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, called on the President to seek medical attention, claiming that the video raised concerns about his well-being.
Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, also questioned Tinubu’s health and argued that Nigerians needed clarity over the condition of their president.
However, these comments represent the opposition’s interpretation of the footage. The video alone does not establish that Tinubu has a particular medical condition.
APC dismisses claims of poor turnout
The opposition also criticised the attendance at the Kaduna rally, alleging that the venue was not filled despite efforts to mobilise supporters from different parts of the country.
Political commentator Isaac Fayose claimed that the stadium’s capacity was not fully utilised, arguing that the turnout reflected declining public support for the ruling party.
Paul Ibe also alleged that camera angles were managed to conceal empty sections of the venue.
The APC, however, rejected the criticism, insisting that the rally was successful and attracted a substantial crowd.
Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the party and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, disputed claims of poor attendance, maintaining that the stadium was filled and that some supporters were unable to enter the venue.
Reports also indicated that the choice of Ranchers Bees Stadium was influenced by the unavailability of the larger Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which was undergoing renovation.
Political battle intensifies ahead of 2027
Beyond the disagreement over attendance and the President’s health, the rally has highlighted the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okechukwu urged Northerners to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that political alliances and the country’s power-sharing arrangements should inform their decisions.
The opposition, meanwhile, has used the controversy to question the ruling party’s popularity and the administration’s handling of the country’s economic and security challenges.
With political mobilisation gathering momentum, the dispute over the Kaduna rally is likely to remain part of the wider debate about Tinubu’s performance, his re-election campaign and the choices facing Nigerian voters.
