The All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council says it expects a massive turnout at Saturday’s campaign inauguration in Kaduna.
Mailafiya Mada, Northwest APC Publicity Secretary, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna.
Mada said concerns about public safety, venue capacity, logistics and crowd management had been considered, with measures being put in place to address them.
He acknowledged concerns that Ranchers Bees Stadium might be too small to accommodate the anticipated crowd but explained that Ahmadu Bello Stadium, an alternative venue, was undergoing renovation.
According to him, the ongoing renovation and the limited time available made it necessary for the organisers to consider an alternative venue for the campaign flag-off.
He said the campaign leadership was also mindful of the possibility of a turnout exceeding the capacity of the selected venue.
“We have a certain number of people that can be accommodated inside, while arrangements will be made to manage the others around the venue,” he said.
Mr Mada stressed that the objective was not merely to accommodate everyone within the venue but also to demonstrate the level of support and goodwill for the President and the party.
He explained that state party chairmen leading delegations from across the country were aware of the venue constraints and expected to work within the arrangements made by the campaign leadership.
On security and crowd management, Mada said the concerns surrounding the gathering had been taken into consideration as part of preparations for the rally.
He said the organisers were conscious of the need to manage the expected crowd and ensure that the event proceeded smoothly.
Asked about the estimated number of people expected at the rally, Mada said it was difficult to give a definite figure because of the different groups and individuals expected to attend.
He explained that delegations would arrive from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, alongside supporters mobilised through party structures and individual politicians.
“I cannot project the number because this is the kind of event that brings together delegations from the 36 states and the FCT.
“There are those coming through the party, those being sponsored, as well as individual politicians who will mobilise their supporters.
“But I assure you that the turnout is going to be massive. We expect a massive turnout,” he said.
Meanwhile, major roads in Kaduna have been decorated with APC billboards and flags for the event
NAN