APC Presidential Campaign Flag-Off: Thundering Ovation as Buhari, Tinubu and Shettima Arrives Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos
By: James Bwala
The Rwang Pam township stadium in Jos, the Plateau state capital and venue of the APC Presidential Campaign Flag-Off for 2023 perhaps has never saw or witness such a gargantuan gathering in political history as President Muhammadu Buhari, APC Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu and APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima arrived at the venue with thunderous ovation from supporters and we’ll wishers overwhelming the 40,000 capacity venue of the occassion.
As at 12: 45 pm Party stalwarts have arrived at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium to await the arrival of the ground breakers. Supporters of the Party who are in high spirits filled the over 40,000-capacity stadium as security agents strive to maintain order as those who could not gain entrance filled the adjoining streets causing heavy gridlock. Many Nigerians who hitherto remained on the fence over APC ticket may have had a change of heart or will do so seeing such a crowd of love and best wishes.
Only last week, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Kashim Shettima was in Jos to celebrate with his kinsman and ruler of the Mwagavul nation, Da John on his ascension to the historic throne of the brave hearts. That visit, according to Residents of Jos also prepared ground for the conquering of the state as witness in the overwhelming acceptability by the people who were reportedly said not the be in agreement with fate in the APC arrangements for political calculations ahead of the 2023 general elections.
At the venue of the occasion, Petty traders are having brisk businesses selling party souvenirs, foods and drinks to the buyers who thronged the venue as early as 7 am for an event slated to begin at 10 am. According to the people, governor Simon Lalong has brought peace in the Plateau despite pockets of unrest by disgruntled element who did not wish the state well.
“Actually, I was not with APC in the beginning. However, as days gone by one has come to the understanding that politics is not religion even though some politicians are doing everything possible to align it along religious line. I was convinced that we can have a better government in Tinubu and Shettima if we trust God to give us good government and stop making ridiculous analysis. There are also alot of people here, who saw reasons to be here. I can tell you that since the return of democracy in Nigeria, I have not seen this stadium taking the shape it has taken today. The people are all out and speaking in common for the support of Tinunu and Kashim.” A man who identify himself as Bitrus said.
Recall that just last night, the State Government envisaged a gridlock and declared a workforce day. The Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor Simon Lalong are elated as stalwarts of the Party including Governors, Members of the National Assembly on the platform of the Party, as well as other party faithful who came from within and outside the State braceup for one goal. To make the outing good and ensure total turnout for Tinubu and Shettima on the Plateau, where they were announced today.
The State Party Chairman Rufus Bature who declared the event open said, “today is the beginning of the victory of APC in 2023, we have to win this election legally and otherwise…” The overwhelming numbers in and outside the stadium speaks volumes and the fact that no contrary voice means all is indeed set for APC to keep it’s flags beyond 2023 leading Nigeria towards renewed hope as champion in the Tinubu, Shettima slogans.
The Plateau State Governorship candidate of the Party, Nentawe Yilwatda appreciated the Party for choosing to flag off the campaign in the State and choosing Lalong as the campaign DG stressing, “We will not disappoint, we will reward you handsomely.” he said and assuredly looking at the promising crowds who stood by the road side and in and around the stadium declaring their support and wishes for the party and it’s candidates in the coming general elections.
For Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, it was an all out even as James Lalu of the Disability Commission said his team from the 36 States of the federation are on the ground and they would deliver the votes of the disability community for Tinubu and Shettima. Indeed, such endorsement is rare. However, only those who witnesses this first step in APC can appreciate the fact that Nigerians cannot be stopped when they decide to make a difference and indeed going by men that knows the road, it is very clear to make road for a renewed hope.
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