The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has taken its campaign against the opposition slogan, “Tinubu Must Go”, to the streets, mobilising thousands of supporters in Damaturu for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

The rally, tagged “Tinubu Must Go Again, Cika Alkawari”, was held on Saturday by the Tinubu Must Go Again Movement in collaboration with the Yobe State leadership of the APC.

The mobilization came after hundreds of youths staged a protest in Potiskum on October 1, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for Tinubu’s removal over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and what they described as poor governance.

The Potiskum protesters, some of whom carried flags of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the President’s Independence Day broadcast had failed to address their grievances.

In contrast, Saturday’s APC rally attracted thousands of youths, women and other party supporters who marched through major streets of Damaturu to demonstrate support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition and that of the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali.

The Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), Dr Mohammed Goje, led APC stakeholders and supporters at the solidarity walk, coordinated by the National Coordinator of the movement, Professor Sherif Almuhajir, and its State Coordinator, Dr Mukhtar Yarima Bularafa.

The procession commenced at the Damaturu flyover and terminated at the Pilgrim Commission Office Complex along Damaturu–Potiskum Road.

Participants carried banners, posters of Tinubu, APC flags and placards highlighting what they described as achievements of the President’s administration, while chanting slogans in support of his continued leadership.

Speaking at the rally, Goje said Yobe State had every reason to support Tinubu, noting that Governor Mai Mala Buni had recorded significant achievements in the state with the support of the President.

He said the cooperation between the state and federal governments had contributed to development efforts in Yobe, urging residents to sustain their support for the APC.

Also speaking, Professor Almuhajir said Tinubu deserved another term, citing what he described as the President’s achievements across different parts of the country.

He said the movement was committed to mobilizing grassroots support for the President and strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The rally also served as an opportunity for APC supporters to reaffirm their backing for Wali, the party’s governorship candidate in Yobe, as political activities intensify across the state.

The October 1 protesters in Potiskum had, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the economic situation, insecurity and unemployment.

The protesters who spoke to journalists, said the demonstration was aimed at exercising their constitutional rights and drawing attention to the hardship facing Nigerians.

Another protester, Malam Gambo, said the youths took to the streets to protest against hunger, insecurity and what they described as bad governance.

Eyewitnesses said the Potiskum demonstration was peaceful and orderly.

Saturday’s Damaturu rally, which lasted from about 7:30am to 11:30am, also ended peacefully without any reported security incident.

The two demonstrations highlight contrasting political messages emerging from Yobe State as supporters of the ruling party and critics of the Tinubu administration begin to mobilise ahead of the 2027 general elections. (Weekend Trust)