The photos and videos are all over the internet, sparking nasty rivalries between members of the two biggest political parties in Nigeria, the ruling APC, and opposition PDP. Tagged ‘mammoth crowds’, and rightfully so, they have assumed the role of the main points of boast for the bitter rivals as we trundle closer to the 2019 general elections. But what’s the real story behind these epic rallies?
With 22 days to the general elections, leading presidential candidates have embarked on rigorous campaigns. Less than two months ago, the political scene was not busy, even with the dozens of presidential candidates. Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which are supposed to lead the campaign frenzy had enough troubles in their homes in the aftermath of their primaries.
Midway, some of the remaining 89 registered parties benefitted from cross-carpeting and set the tone for campaigns. For now, there are 74 presidential candidates and many of them have devised different methods of campaigns. While some of them limit theirs to social media, there are some who are visible on billboards and posters in major towns and villages.
However, in the last few days, the campaigns of APC and PDP have become a sight to behold, considering the massive crowd candidates Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar are drawing. The posters, billboards, sound systems, still and video cameras in use are high-end, while in most instances the candidates and their campaign teams wear the traditional clothes of the people of states visited.
Another clear departure from the past, is that while Buhari and Atiku move around under their party’s presidential campaign councils, their wives have formed separate teams to canvass votes for their husbands. Read more