A motley crowd of support groups gathered at the Unity Fountain Abuja on Wednesday to kick off presidential campaigns for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Standard bearer Bola Tinubu and his running mate Kashim Shettima were however nowhere to be found on the campaign ground on Wednesday.

The event comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opened opportunities for political parties to commence their campaigns ahead of the February 2023 elections.

Majority of Tinubu Support Organisations thronged the venue in their numbers bearing all manners of placards and banners.

Some of the placards read: “Tinubu 4 2023” and “BAT-PAM Actualisation”, among others.

The presidential campaign council of the party had postponed the commencement of its campaigns earlier scheduled for Wednesday.

This was disclosed by the Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau, in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Yusuf Husain, the Director-General, APC diaspora campaign council, said members of the campaign organisation would contribute massively for the success of Mr Tinubu’s emergence as president.

According to him, prosecuting the agenda will require dedication, mobilisation, skills, resources and loyalty of all members of the party to enable them win the elections.

He said the group’s presence and the turn out of the people are testament to the fact that Nigerians have chosen APC and will demonstrate this choice at the polls.

Oluwatoyin Bargbon, the President of Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society, said the campaign would provide the needed opportunity for women to be actively involved in politics.

She assured that the APC government headed by Bola Tinubu as the president would make the 35 per cent women appointees a reality.

On his part, Jamaludeen Kabir, the Deputy National Youth Leader of APC, called on youths in the country to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVCs) and vote for Mr Tinubu in the 2023 presidential elections.

Mr Kabir advised that obtaining the PVC was an important civic responsibility, as such only the PVC would give the youths power to elect their presidential candidate.

He also advised them not to engage in any form of malpractice during the general elections, but serve as agents of positive change for democracy to thrive in the country.

“The youths should ensure they collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential elections.

“I also urge the youths to remain law abiding citizens for a peaceful and credible election, they should also shun violence and remain resolute throughout the campaigns.

“The attainment of a good election is dependent on full cooperation and support of the youths, and avoiding any form of violence during election,” he added. 

(NAN)