PHOTOS | Akure agog as Ondo residents welcome Buhari for APC mega rally

Akure, the Ondo State capital, was agog early Saturday as  residents  trooped out ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit for the mega rally of the APC.

Buhari’s visit was to rally support for the APC flagbearer in the Nov. 26 governorship election, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The popular Oba Adesida Road was devoid of its usual human and vehicular congestion to give way for the presidential convoy.

The Democracy Park, venue of the event was lively with music rending the air from ace Fuji musician, Abass Obesere.

Security was also very tight in the whole area as there was a heavy presence of men of the Nigeria Police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the FRSC.

Speaking with NAN, Mrs Esther Omodara, a retiree from the state civil service, said that the city was standing still for the president “because he is a man of the people”.

Omodara said Buhari has deep passion for the Nigerian people, adding that his visit would prove that Akeredolu’s candidature was a worthy venture.

Also speaking, Mr Femi Okunjemiruwa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party  in the state, said that Buhari’s visit would mark a positive development for the APC governorship candidate and the state at large.

Okunjemiruwa, who told NAN that he would be defecting to the APC, said that all hands must be on deck to support the president to rescue Nigeria from decadence.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Akure Airport at exactly 10:09 a.m. and was received by Governor Olusegun Mimiko amidst tight security for the All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign rally for the Nov. 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Also on ground to receive the president were Dr kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Mineral Development; Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governor of Osun and Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, member, representing Ondo Central at the Senate.

Others were Alhaji Alli Olanusi, former Ondo deputy governor; Mr Isaac Kekemeke, former chairman of APC in Ondo State; Mr Jamiu Ekungba, a contestant in the APC primary election that produced Chief Rotimi Akeredolu.

In the entourage of the president were Alhaji  Lai Muhammed, Minister of Information and Culture; Gov. Umar Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State and Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.

Also present at the airport were former Gov. Joshua Dariye of Plateau and former Gov. Adams Oshiomole of Edo.

NAN also reports that the security details of the Nigerian Police was led by Mrs Hilda Ibifuro, Commissioner of Police in  Ondo State.

Other security operatives present included men of the Immigration Services, FRSC, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force.

Buhari inspected a guard of honour mounted by men of the Nigerian Army before leaving the airport.

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the APC National Chairman, John Odigie Oyegun, arrived at different times after the president had left the airport.