Several political groups in Nigeria have continued to hold rallies in solidarity to their preferred candidate. The party faithfuls hit the streets or assemble at a location to popularize and/or show support to their favourite presidential candidates ahead of the forthcoming presidential elections in 2023.
Supporters over the weekend held these campaign rallies in different parts of the country for major presidential candidates including former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi of Labour party, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar of PDP, former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu of APC and former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Here is a brief of the leading candidates, the states in which the rallies were held and their political significance
- Peter Obi
Of all the candidates in the presidential race of the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi faithfuls are the only ones who have so far consistently held rallies and road walks in many parts of the country.
Why it matters
The candidate’s faithfuls have proven wrong his doubters, who limited the third force movement to a “social media vibe” by consistently hosting mega rallies in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and more. The most recent rally was in Agbor, Delta State, hometown to the running mate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa. At this point in campaign seasons, the “OBIDient is a rising force to reckon with.
- Rabiu Kwankwaso
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) held a mega rally in Kano State, which he governed from 1999 to 2003 and 2011 to 2015.
Why it matters
A massive turnout by NNPP’s faithfuls in Kano State is a huge encouragement for the former governor who has slightly fallen as one of the most popular candidates in the presidential race.
- Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
The Chairman of Lagos State Parks and Garages, Alhaji Musiliu Akisanya Oba, also known as MC Oluomo held a 5million March in Lagos State in solidarity to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. As expected, the rally was a success, with many turning out to support the former governor of Lagos State.
Why it matters
With many speculations surrounding APC’s presidential candidate, the mega rally held in his name is a huge statement of Tinubu’s influence in a state he twice governed.
- Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
PDP’s presidential candidate was not left out, as his party faithful also held a rally in Bauchi State.
Why it matters
Bauchi State alongside Adamawa state (ancestral state of Atiku Abubakar) is part of the Northeastern region of the country which political experts have predicted the former Vice President to pull a chunk of votes.