Exodus from PDP: Members join APC as Buhari campaigns in Plateau, Nassarawa States

17 January 2015, LAGOS, Nigeria—Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress's (APC) political party, took his tour of the nation to the Jos and Nasarawa States and received a warm welcome as he travelled closer to home.

The team—which included the selected vice president Professor Yemi Osinbaj; Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the Director General for the campaign; and Senator Bukola Saraki amongst others—landed in Jos in the early part of the day which marked the continuation of the visits to all six regions in the country.

The first rally held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium saw the party national leader, Chief John Oyegun, take to the stage and introduce each state delegate, as well as announce the defection of former PDP leader Dame Pauline Tale alongside two other PDP members to the APC. He also stressed the importance of the people to get their permanent voters card, PVC. "If you want to see change in the Nigeria then get your PVC and make sure you vote Buhari. Don't sell your vote,” he told the crowd.

Coming through chants of, “Osinbajo, oyoyo!” Osinbajo then spoke and assured the people that the APC party will emerge as winners of the presidential election, saying, "We are going to win because that is what God wants."

Buhari connected to the crowd by speaking in his native Hausa, spoke on issues affecting the nation. “What is happening in the North East is totally unacceptable because most youths in Nigeria are unemployed; I assure my government will create job opportunities for the youths, we would turn around the agriculture and mining sectors to provide employment for the Nigerian youth.” he said to the audience. He also spoke on the falling standard in education, stating, “Your vote for me will ensure that every child has a seat in a good classroom and is fed daily for free; our tertiary institutions will produce competent graduates.” He ended by also encouraging all to get their PVC.

The campaign then moved to Nasarawa State where they were cordially received by the state governor, Governor Umaru Tanko Al Makura who led the delegates yet another stadium filled with people waiting to see their candidate.

There were several speakers including APC's National Woman leader, Hajia Halima, assured the women of Nasarawa a better life under a Buhari-led government. Buhari then took to the stage to address the crowd in Hausa dialect, spoke of a better life and future under their government. The day ended with a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai I of Nasarawa state.