The All Progressives Congress candidate for President, Bola Tinubu, commenced his Presidential rally on Tuesday in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, with a significant amount of security present.
Major entryways to the venue were spotted being secured by a security squad made up of soldiers, police officers, members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and members of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The venue was bustling with activity as early as 9 a.m. as party supporters entered the stadium dressed in colorful “aso ebi” bearing the faces of Bola Tinubu, the APC Presidential candidate, and Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu’s running mate.
A last minute inspection of the venue’s decorations was also carried out by a few members of the local organizing committee.
Just 24 hours prior, the National Broadcasting Commission fined Arise News and Channels Television N5 million for airing what was allegedly a “false” statement attributed to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
When contacted, Bayo Onanuga, the PCC’s Director of media and publicity, said that Tinubu’s first rally will officially start off the campaign in Jos, making it a festival of sorts.
Onanuga further revealed that nearly all PCC members, President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Progressive Governors Forum, and the APC women’s campaign team would attend the gathering.
When asked about the venue’s large security presence, Onanuga responded, “It is normal.”
He said, “The local organising committee is fully in charge. We are just going there as guests. In all our engagements so far, the committee in each state is always responsible for arrangements including security.
“Don’t forget, the president is coming too because this is the first rally we are having. But you are aware we have been campaigning before now. This is the very festival of the campaign.
“All of us in the PCC directorates are going there in our aso ebi including the women campaign team,” he said.
Onanuga further mentioned that major radio and television networks would broadcast the rally live.
