2019 Polls: Uyo Agog For Buhari’s Campaign Flag-off

• Sen Akpaabio emerges campaign Coordinator
• A’Ibom APC mobilizes supporters

BY ARCHIBONG EYO, CALABAR – The stage is set for Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital to host the official launch of All Progressives Congress (APC)’s South-South zonal campaign for its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.

This is as the President has appointed former Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Support Committee

Already, party stalwarts are upbeat about the carnival-like atmosphere across the State following the Governor Emmanuel Udom-led administration’s capitulation and eventual approval of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for the APC to hold the presidential rally.

Forefront reliably gathered that security has been beefed up within and around Uyo, the state capital as preparations are in top gear to welcome the President and his entourage in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled South South state.   

Briefing newsmen about the event, Chairman, Central Planning Committee (CPC) for the President Muhammadu Buhari 2019 Campaign Flag-off, Mr Umana Umana, said it is excitement and celebrations galore in the State as all necessary arrangements are in place for a hitch-free and successful hosting of Mr President.

Umana said the APC will use the event to send a resounding message to Nigerians that President Buhari will be re-elected come 2019 general elections.

According to him, the President is at home in Akwa Ibom given his good gesture to the State since inception of the APC administration in May 2015.

He stated that; “We have had occasion in the past to review the scorecard of Mr President not just for all Nigerians but as it affects Akwa Ibom and that is why our members in the state are very excited.

“It is going to be a national APC event. We are expecting to host Mr President in person; the vice-president in person; the national chairman of our party; the national leaders of our party;  the National Working Committee (NWC); APC Governors, Ministers and members from all over the country.”

Umana further stated that the “rally will provide the foundation for the take-off of our presidential campaigns and we will be expecting the 30,000 Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to be filled to the brim.

“From the feedback we are getting from our members all over Akwa Ibom and all of the South-South states and from other states in Nigeria, we know that that the stadium is going to be filled to capacity.

“The good people of Akwa Ibom are very excited and enthusiastic and they are waiting to receive the President. Again, we are not surprised because the good people of Akwa Ibom have felt the impact of the good works undertaken by Mr President.”

He maintained that; “The good people of Akwa Ibom, who are not even members of our party, are also very enthusiastic about receiving the President and to thank him ahead of the election for what he has done for the state, the South-South zone and the people of Nigeria.”

Umana, who is the current Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), said; “attendance at this rally would also be a way of sending a message to Mr President that we appreciate what he has done for our people in terms of the key strategic appointments which he has given to sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom, and clearly this is unprecedented.”