The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to immediately abandon his presidential ambition and join forces with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his second term in 2027, saying the North has demonstrated support for the Asiwaju.

The APC Publicity Secretary in Kaduna State, Muhammad Sani Haruna, made the call while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Monday , as part of the post-Tinubu’s campaign rally declaration in the state.

Haruna said the large turnout at the rally showed that the North had accepted Tinubu, adding that Kaduna could surpass the two million votes target projected by Governor Uba Sani.

“I want specifically to call on our former Vice President, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, to sheathe his sword and join forces with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because the pendulum has swung in favour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Haruna argued that Tinubu had helped Atiku secure a platform to contest the presidency in 2011, adding that “one good turn deserves another.”

He claimed that more than one million people attended the rally, welcoming Tinubu from the airport to the venue.

The APC spokesman described Kaduna as the former capital of Northern Nigeria and a miniature Nigeria because of its diverse population. He thanked Tinubu for choosing the state to host the campaign flag-off and commended Governor Uba Sani for organising the rally.

He also said the event ended without injuries, molestation or other negative incidents.

Haruna criticised Atiku’s promise to restore petrol subsidy, describing it as a sign of desperation. He also questioned the former vice-president’s repeated attempts to become president.

The APC spokesman further accused opposition figures associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of failing to address the North’s economic and educational challenges when they held public office. He alleged that some opposition politicians relied on religion and ethnicity to attract votes.

“The North is wise. The North cannot be taken for a ride again,” he said.