Crowd Chants ‘Ba Ma Yi’ as Tinubu Speaks at Kaduna APC Flag-Off
Kaduna, Nigeria—October 24, 2026—A section of the crowd at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday shouted “Ba ma yi” as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took the podium, creating mild drama at the Ranchers Bees Stadium.
“Ba ma yi” is a Hausa expression that roughly translates to “we don’t like you” or “we don’t want you.”
Moment of Discontent
Tinubu, who was in the state to formally launch his 2027 re-election campaign, shouted “Nigeria” as he began speaking. Instead of the expected enthusiastic response, parts of the crowd replied with “Ba ma yi.”
When he called out “Kaduna,” the response was again mixed, prompting him to say “Sai Uba Sani” himself before continuing his address.
Some members of the crowd who joined the chant later told reporters that insecurity and harsh economic policies were the reasons for their expression of disapproval.
Tinubu’s Response and Speech
Despite the interruption, the President continued his speech. He acknowledged the presence of hunger in the country but blamed the opposition for creating the problem, promising to eradicate it if re-elected in 2027.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger; they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” Tinubu said.
Party Activities and Attendance
Earlier, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda presented the party’s flag to the seven North-West governors: Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Nasiru Idris (Kebbi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). All seven are serving first terms and seeking re-election.
The event was attended by governors from Lagos, Bayelsa, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Adamawa, Imo, Yobe, Borno, Kwara and Ondo, as well as Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajuddeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, several ministers and National Assembly members.
While thousands of supporters filled the stadium and surrounding areas, the isolated chants of “Ba ma yi” quickly circulated on social media and drew reactions from opposition parties, who described the moment as evidence of declining public support.
This report is based on coverage by Daily Trust and other national media outlets from the APC campaign flag-off in Kaduna on October 24, 2026.
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