Buhari Returns On Friday

Arrangements have reached advanced stage to receive the Presidential
candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu
Buhari, who is due back in the country on Friday.

It was learnt in Abuja on Wednesday that while some of his supporters
are pushing for a carnival-like reception for the general, others are
planning a less flamboyant approach in line with his well known
penchant for modesty.

PUNCH reports that, while a final decision is yet to be taken, events
lined up for his return are still being kept a secret.

However, the APC is not leaving anything to chance as it is going
ahead with preparations to hold its grand finale rally in Abuja.

The rally which was earlier scheduled to hold in Abuja on January 29th
had to be postponed indefinitely following the shift of the date of
the elections by six weeks.

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji
Lai Mohammed, confirmed that the party's presidential candidate is
expected back in the country at the weekend.

Mohammed who spoke in a telephone interview with The PUNCH in Abuja,
said, "I spoke with him (Buhari) this morning (Wednesday), he will be
back in the country God's willing this weekend."

As to the planned grand finale of the party's presidential campaign
rallies, he said, "I cannot confirm the exact date yet because we have
to meet. It is when we meet and a decision is taken that it will be
announced."

He dispelled rumours making the rounds that the party's candidate was
battling ill-health. Mohammed said, "That is the wish of those people
but because they are not God, our candidate is hale and hearty and
will soon join us."
--PUNCH