The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly recorded another disappointing turnout at its campaign rally in Cross River State, with several empty seats observed at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, raising fresh questions about the party’s popularity ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

The development comes barely days after a similar situation was reported in Kaduna State, where the ruling party’s Northwest campaign rally also witnessed a sparse crowd despite efforts to mobilise supporters from different parts of the region.

 

The two incidents have fuelled discussions about growing public dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly over the country’s economic challenges and worsening insecurity.

 

Empty Seats At APC Rally In Calabar

 

The APC held another campaign rally on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of its efforts to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the event, where he addressed party supporters and highlighted what he described as positive developments from the administration’s economic reforms.

 

Shettima also mentioned major infrastructure projects, including the proposed coastal highway and deep seaport, which the Federal Government has presented as part of its development plans for Cross River State.

 

However, reports and videos circulating on social media showed considerable empty spaces in the stadium, prompting questions about the level of public enthusiasm for the ruling party’s political activities in the state.

 

Some social media accounts also claimed that financial incentives had been offered to encourage attendance, but that some expected participants still failed to turn up. These claims have not been independently verified.

 

Kaduna Rally Recorded Similar Low Turnout

 

The situation in Calabar bears similarities to the APC’s Northwest campaign rally held in Kaduna on October 24, 2026.

 

The event, which was attended by several prominent party figures, reportedly struggled to attract a large crowd despite mobilisation efforts involving supporters from different states in the region.

 

Videos from the Kaduna rally showed sections of the stadium that were not fully occupied.

 

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The situation attracted further attention when some people leaving the venue were heard chanting “Ba ma yi”, a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want you”.

 

The chants were interpreted by some observers as an expression of dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration, although the reasons behind the reactions of individual participants could not be independently established.

 

Economic Hardship, Insecurity Fuel Public Discontent

 

The reported low attendance at the two rallies has renewed conversations about the political implications of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

 

Across different parts of the country, Nigerians have continued to express concerns over rising food prices, high transportation costs, expensive fuel and the growing difficulty of meeting basic household needs.

 

Insecurity has also remained a major concern, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria affected by banditry, kidnappings and attacks on communities.

 

These challenges have contributed to public criticism of the Federal Government, with some Nigerians questioning whether the administration has done enough to improve living conditions.

 

For opposition parties, the situation could provide an opportunity to challenge the APC’s hold on power as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Tinubu’s Second-Term Ambition Faces Political Test

 

Despite the criticism, APC leaders have continued to defend the administration’s policies and appeal to Nigerians to support Tinubu for another four years.

 

The Federal Government has repeatedly argued that its economic reforms are necessary to address longstanding structural problems and place the country on a path towards sustainable growth.

 

However, the visible crowd situation at the Kaduna and Calabar rallies has raised questions about how effectively the party’s message is connecting with ordinary Nigerians.

 

Although attendance at political rallies does not necessarily determine electoral outcomes, repeated reports of low turnout could become a concern for the ruling party as it prepares for the next general election.

 

With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the APC will face the challenge of convincing voters that its policies are delivering meaningful improvements in their daily lives.

 

Ultimately, whether the reported low attendance in Kaduna and Cross River translates into actual electoral rejection of Tinubu will be determined by voters at the ballot box.