Yobe APC rallies in Damaturu to counter opposition calls for Tinubu's removal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State mobilised thousands of supporters for a solidarity rally in Damaturu on Saturday, 7 November 2026. The Tinubu Must Go Again Movement, working alongside the APC’s state executives, hosted the gathering under the banner of the Tinubu Must Go Again, Cika Alkawari initiative. The main aim of the assembly was to push back against the opposition’s Tinubu Must Go chant while rallying backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 and for Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, the party’s gubernatorial aspirant.

The march started at the Damaturu flyover and ended at the Pilgrim Commission Office Complex situated on the Damaturu-Potiskum Road. The rally lasted from approximately 7:30 am to 11:30 am and ended peacefully without any reported security incidents. A crowd comprising young people and women walked through key thoroughfares, displaying placards, APC flags, images of the head of state, and signs celebrating what they viewed as the current government’s successes. Dr Mohammed Goje, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, led the party stakeholders during the walk. The event was coordinated by Professor Sherif Almuhajir, the National Coordinator of the movement, and Dr Mukhtar Yarima Bularafa, its State Coordinator.

Background

This mobilisation occurred weeks after a series of protests in Yobe State. On 1 October 2026, which marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, hundreds of youths staged a demonstration in Potiskum Local Government Area. These protesters demanded President Tinubu’s removal, citing economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and alleged poor governance. Some participants carried flags of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and expressed dissatisfaction with the President’s Independence Day broadcast, arguing that it failed to address the challenges facing Nigerians. Protesters, including an individual identified as Malam Gambo, stated that the demonstration was aimed at exercising constitutional rights and drawing attention to issues such as hunger and bad governance. Eyewitnesses described the Potiskum demonstration as peaceful and orderly.

In contrast to the earlier protests, the Damaturu rally focused on affirming support for the incumbent administration. Dr Goje argued that Yobe State had strong grounds to back President Tinubu, pointing out that the region had gained from the collaboration between the Federal Government and Governor Mai Mala Buni’s leadership. He called on locals to maintain their allegiance to the APC, stressing that the alliance between the state and federal authorities was vital for the region’s progress. Professor Almuhajir also addressed the crowd, asserting that President Tinubu deserved another term in office due to his leadership and achievements across the country. He reiterated the movement’s dedication to gathering grassroots backing for the President and bolstering the APC in preparation for the 2027 polls.

Why it matters

The demonstration underscores the growing political fervor in Yobe State as the 2027 general elections draw nearer. The occasion provided a stage for APC adherents to reconfirm their endorsement of both President Tinubu and the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali. The contrast between the Tinubu Must Go demonstrations in Potiskum and the Tinubu Must Go Again march in Damaturu reflects the divided public sentiment concerning the performance of the present administration. While critics point to economic and security challenges, supporters cite developmental achievements and intergovernmental cooperation as reasons to maintain their political allegiance. The peaceful nature of both the earlier protests and the recent rally suggests a degree of order in the political discourse, despite the divergent views on the President’s leadership.