Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, has criticised the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, for commissioning the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna highway project from a stadium during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off in Kaduna. According to a report by Tribune Online, Ibe questioned Tinubu’s choice of venue, suggesting it was inappropriate to use a sports stadium for such an event.
The commissioning of the 81km Abuja-Kaduna highway, which is part of the North-West Road Projects, has been a subject of interest among Nigerians. The project, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the region, has been ongoing for some time.
In a statement, Ibe said, “It is disappointing that the commissioning of such an important project is being used for political campaigning.”. The APC presidential candidate, Tinubu, was recently inaugurated as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 elections.
This incident raises questions about the blurring lines between politics and national development in Nigeria. While it is normal for political figures to use significant events to boost their campaigns, some argue that such events should be separate from official government functions.
According to a report by Vanguard News, the APC campaign flag-off in Kaduna was attended by musicians and supporters who praised Tinubu and other APC governors. However, Ibe’s criticism underscores growing concerns about the politicisation of national projects.
The Abuja-Kaduna highway project is expected to improve transportation between the two cities, reducing travel time and enhancing economic activities. It remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the project’s progress and the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
By
