BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme took centre stage on Saturday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign was launched in Kaduna, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, presenting figures on completed, ongoing and partially completed road projects.
The rally, held at the Kaduna Township Stadium on October 24, 2026, attracted APC leaders, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations and party supporters from across the country to mobilise support for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process, while calling on supporters to vote for the All Progressives Congress at all levels.
“Vote APC from top to bottom, APC everywhere,” the President declared.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and other programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians, while commending governors, traditional rulers, young people and other stakeholders for their contributions to national development.
Umahi, who also serves as Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, used the occasion to highlight the scale of the Federal Government’s road construction programme and its potential impact on economic activities across the North-West and other parts of the country.
According to figures presented by the minister, the Federal Government had completed 348 kilometres of inherited and newly initiated road projects, while 4,084 kilometres remained under construction. Another 1,811 kilometres of road projects were classified as partially completed.
The figures underscored the administration’s ongoing infrastructure commitments, while highlighting the need for sustained funding, effective project supervision and timely execution to ensure that unfinished roads are delivered for public use.
Umahi stressed the importance of road infrastructure to economic growth, particularly in the North-West, where agriculture, trade and inter-state transportation constitute major sources of livelihood.
He noted that improved road networks could reduce transportation difficulties, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, strengthen commercial activities and connect rural communities with major markets and essential services.
According to the minister, better roads would also help reduce vehicle operating costs, improve the movement of goods and passengers, create employment opportunities and support businesses across the region.
Among the projects highlighted was the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, a strategic transport corridor connecting the Federal Capital Territory with major commercial and agricultural centres in Kaduna and Kano states.
The minister’s presentation identified the 118-kilometre Lot 1 of the expressway among the key completed project interventions. It also referenced the 30-kilometre Kano section and the 81-kilometre Tungan Maje–Jere alignment.
The expressway serves as an important link for commuters, traders and transport operators travelling between Abuja and the North-West, while providing a major route for distributing agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities.
Umahi maintained that improved road conditions along the corridor would strengthen trade, enhance transportation efficiency and improve access between commercial centres.
He also highlighted road construction projects in Kano State, including the Northern Bypass, the dualisation of the Kano–Maiduguri Road, Section I, covering Kano–Shuwarin, and the Yakasai–Badume–Damargu–Marken Jalli Road.
The projects, he said, form part of broader efforts to improve connectivity, ease transportation challenges and expand access to markets and economic opportunities.
Across the North-West, stronger road connections are expected to support the movement of agricultural produce between farming communities and urban centres, while helping traders and businesses reach wider markets in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The construction and rehabilitation of roads also generate employment for engineers, technicians, construction workers and other professionals, while creating indirect opportunities for suppliers, transport operators and local businesses.
However, the long-term benefits of such investments depend on the timely completion of projects, compliance with engineering standards, transparent use of public funds and adequate maintenance of completed roads.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also addressed the rally, highlighted the administration’s development initiatives across Northern Nigeria, particularly in road infrastructure, agriculture, regional connectivity and economic expansion.
Shettima commended Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure challenges confronting the North, noting that improved road networks were essential to connecting farmers with markets, facilitating commercial activities and promoting inclusive development.
He also expressed confidence in the continued support of Northern voters for the President ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, urged Nigerians to assess the performance of the government based on verifiable achievements and tangible development outcomes rather than information circulating on social media.
He encouraged voters to examine completed projects, ongoing interventions and fulfilled commitments in determining the administration’s performance.
Similarly, the Director-General of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, called on party stakeholders and supporters, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to reject misinformation and promote responsible political engagement.
Yari emphasised the importance of evaluating leadership through its commitments, performance and delivery, noting that infrastructure and public welfare should remain central to political discussions.
A major highlight of the rally was the presentation of APC flags to seven party governors from the North-West seeking re-election.
The flags were presented by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as the party intensified preparations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event brought together APC governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other political stakeholders, reflecting the party’s efforts to consolidate its structures and strengthen its presence across the region.
Tinubu attended the rally alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Shettima and his wife, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; as well as governors, lawmakers and senior party officials.
Beyond its campaign significance, the Kaduna gathering provided an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its infrastructure priorities and present an account of progress on inherited and newly initiated road projects.
For communities across the North-West, the impact of these investments will ultimately depend on the completion and maintenance of the roads, the improvement of transport links and the extent to which better connectivity translates into lower transportation costs, increased commercial activities and improved livelihoods.
As the 2027 election campaign gathers momentum, infrastructure development is expected to remain a major issue in the administration’s effort to secure another mandate.
The challenge for the Federal Government will be to sustain the pace of construction, ensure accountability in project execution and deliver durable roads that meet the transportation and economic needs of Nigerians.
