President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to visit Jigawa State on Tuesday for an All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally and the commissioning of four development projects, prompting the state government to declare a public holiday.

Governor Umar Namadi announced the President’s planned visit on Monday while addressing journalists in Dutse, following an inspection of facilities scheduled for inauguration.

According to the governor, the visit will mark Tinubu’s first official trip to Jigawa State since assuming office in May 2023.

Namadi explained that preparations were almost complete, although some adjustments were still being made following consultations between state government officials and representatives of the Presidency.

He said the inspections were necessary to ensure that the projects and other arrangements met the required standards ahead of the presidential visit.

Tinubu to Commission Four Major Projects in Jigawa

As part of his activities in the state, President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four projects located in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

According to a report by Arise News, the projects scheduled for commissioning include:

1. The Renewed Hope Technical Services Centre.
2. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multipurpose Skills Acquisition Centre.
3. An agricultural mechanisation programme.
4. A dualised road project in Dutse.

The agricultural mechanisation initiative is expected to be particularly significant for farmers across the state, as it includes the provision of modern farming equipment aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

The equipment package reportedly comprises 400 tractors, 60 combine harvesters, 150 boom sprayers and 150 seeders, alongside other agricultural machinery.

The initiative is expected to support farming activities, improve efficiency and strengthen agricultural production across Jigawa.

Governor Namadi disclosed that his administration had several other completed projects that could also be presented for presidential commissioning.

However, he explained that the government decided to select four projects within Dutse to accommodate the President’s schedule and ensure that the programme could be completed within the available time.

Jigawa Government Declares Tuesday Public Holiday

In preparation for the presidential visit, the Jigawa State Government has declared Tuesday a work-free day.

The decision is intended to enable residents, civil servants and other members of the public to participate in the scheduled activities, including the commissioning ceremonies and the APC political rally.

Governor Namadi also encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome President Tinubu and participate in the events.

The public holiday is expected to facilitate movement and attendance at the various activities planned for the President’s visit.

Security Agencies Put on Alert Ahead of Presidential Visit

The state government has also addressed concerns surrounding security arrangements for the presidential visit.

Governor Namadi disclosed that he had held meetings with security chiefs and members of the state security committee to review preparations and ensure adequate protection throughout the President’s stay.

He assured residents that the relevant security agencies were prepared to manage the activities and maintain order during the visit.

The governor emphasised the importance of cooperation between residents, security personnel and event organisers to ensure that the presidential engagements proceed peacefully.

Tinubu’s Jigawa Visit Comes Ahead of 2027 Elections

The planned visit comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The APC rally is expected to provide another opportunity for the ruling party to engage supporters, strengthen its political structures and mobilise grassroots support.

The President’s visit also offers the Jigawa State Government an opportunity to showcase some of its development initiatives, particularly in technical education, skills acquisition, agriculture and infrastructure.

With the commissioning of the four projects and the planned political rally, Tuesday’s activities are expected to attract considerable attention from residents and APC supporters across the state.

The visit will also mark an important political engagement between President Tinubu and the people of Jigawa since his inauguration in May 2023.

Financial commentator and social media personality Gehgeh has called on President Bola Tinubu to step aside after completing his first four-year term, insisting that Nigerians should be given the opportunity to elect a new leader in 2027.

Gehgeh made the appeal in a video shared online, where he criticised Tinubu’s administration, dismissed the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar returning to power and expressed his preference for Peter Obi in the next presidential election.

In his message to Tinubu, Gehgeh acknowledged the President as an older figure but advised him to consider following the example of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who returned to farming and other personal engagements after leaving office.

He argued that Tinubu should accept that his time in government was coming to an end rather than seek another mandate from Nigerians.

Addressing the President, Gehgeh said:

“Tinubu, you’re like a father figure to me, let me advise you like a father and son. Sir, you can’t lead Nigeria, go and learn from Obasanjo. He’s now a farmer, learn from him. Leave Nigerians alone, you don old.”

The social media personality also questioned Tinubu’s availability and response to the country’s challenges, alleging that the President frequently travelled abroad while Nigerians continued to battle economic difficulties.

According to Gehgeh, the country needs a leader who remains accessible and actively addresses national concerns rather than one he believes is more visible during photo opportunities and public appearances.

He described Tinubu’s approach to leadership as one characterised by uncertainty, saying:

“The president we have in Nigeria is a president of ‘let me see what I can do’.”

Gehgeh maintained that Tinubu had already had sufficient time to demonstrate his leadership abilities and should not pursue another four-year term.

“Tinubu, you rule for four years, nothing more you can give, leave there,” he added.

Gehgeh Rejects Atiku’s Return, Declares Support for Peter Obi

Turning his attention to Atiku Abubakar, Gehgeh argued that Nigerians had previously experienced his leadership during his eight years as Vice President under Obasanjo and should consider giving another candidate an opportunity.

He questioned what additional contribution the former vice president could make if elected President in 2027.

“We don test Atiku before, he be vice president, we don’t want again, there’s nothing to rule again,” Gehgeh stated.

Despite acknowledging the political challenges facing Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor, Gehgeh said he would rather support him than vote for either Tinubu or Atiku.

He described Obi as an “online president”, suggesting that his strong presence on social media might not necessarily translate into electoral victory in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, Gehgeh maintained that he preferred voting for Obi over what he described as a “settings president”.

“Peter Obi, you be online president and an online president cannot win in Nigeria, but I rather vote for an online president than to vote for a settings president,” he said.

Gehgeh subsequently appealed to Nigerians to give Obi an opportunity to govern the country, describing the 2027 election as an important opportunity for the former governor to lead Nigeria.

He also made a personal declaration about his future in the country if Obi fails to win the presidential election.

“Obi come and rule Nigeria, is your turn to rule and this is the last chance. And if Obi no win, nothing concern me with Nigeria again. Am using this opportunity to call on travel agents ahead, prepare my visa if Obi no win, am going to Ghana,” he added.

His comments have added to the growing political conversations surrounding the 2027 presidential election, with discussions about Tinubu’s performance, Atiku’s political future and Obi’s chances already attracting attention across social media.

Kano-based human rights lawyer Abba Hikima has criticised Vice President Kashim Shettima over his dancing and celebratory performances at All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rallies, describing the displays as insensitive to the challenges confronting millions of Nigerians.

Hikima argued that the Vice President’s conduct was inappropriate at a time when many citizens were battling severe economic difficulties, insecurity, kidnappings and killings across different parts of the country.

The lawyer expressed his displeasure in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, urging individuals responsible for managing Shettima’s public engagements to advise him against what he described as embarrassing displays at political gatherings.

According to Hikima, public officials should demonstrate greater awareness of the suffering of citizens, particularly when the country is facing serious economic and security challenges.

He questioned the appropriateness of political celebrations when the government continues to face criticism over its responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

“No responsible Nigerian leader should be seen dancing and celebrating after failing to secure the lives of the very people he swore to protect,” Hikima stated.

He further observed that millions of Nigerians were struggling to meet their basic needs while communities continued to experience security threats, including abductions and violent attacks.

“As he dances, millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive amid economic hardship, rising insecurity, kidnappings and killings,” he added.

The human rights lawyer maintained that political leaders should be mindful of the country’s prevailing circumstances and avoid actions that could be interpreted as disregarding the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.

Hikima also emphasised that holding public office comes with an obligation to demonstrate compassion, responsibility and an understanding of the concerns of the people.

“This is hardly a time for our leaders to be seen indulging in public celebrations without due regard for the grim realities confronting ordinary citizens,” he said.

He concluded by stressing that effective leadership goes beyond political activities and public appearances, noting that empathy, sensitivity and concern for citizens’ welfare should remain central to the responsibilities of elected officials.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has slammed President Bola Tinubu over the worsening electricity situation in the country.

In a statement by his senior media aide, Phrank Shuaibu, on Sunday, Atiku said Tinubu’s electricity excuses cannot light a single home in Nigeria.

He said Nigerians are tired of excuses and propaganda from the Tinubu administration, while millions of homes and businesses remain in total darkness.

According to him, instead of fixing the power sector, the Tinubu government has continued to give excuses for its failure, despite increasing electricity tariffs.

“Tinubu’s electricity excuses cannot light a single home. Nigerians need light, not excuses.

“Across Nigeria, consumers are placed in Bands A, B, C, D and E and charged different rates. In many areas, Band A customers pay about N209.50 per unit before VAT.

“Rates for the other bands vary by state and electricity provider. Yet across every band, the same hardship endures: the power fails, but the bill arrives. No family should have to weigh the cost of electricity against the cost of food. No business should be left to pay more while receiving less.

“The government now says it plans to end electricity subsidies from 2027, even as it insists there will be no immediate tariff increase. Nigerians are entitled to a clear answer: what will happen to their bills when the subsidy ends,” Atiku queried.

He called on the Tinubu administration to stop playing politics with electricity and provide stable power supply for Nigerians who are suffering.