Some support groups for an APC presidential aspirant, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday expressed optimism that he would earn the party’s ticket for the presidential elections in 2015.

The groups expressed the desire on the sideline of the declaration of interest to contest in the 2015 presidential elections by Buhari in Abuja.

Buhari acknowledges cheers

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Garba Bello, leader of Rinka Youth Organisation, listed the legacies of the aspirant as reasons for mobilising support for him.

“He has done a lot for the people of Katsina State; he provided good roads, water, electricity all aimed at improving the general standard of living in the state.

“When he was the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF), he funded the educational sector well.

“He can do better if elected as president in the coming 2015 presidential election,’’ Bello said.

The National Coordinator of the Bauchi State support group, Shehu Umar, said “I arrived yesterday ahead of our members. I am very optimistic that Gen. Buhari would definitely be crowned winner of the forthcoming election.

“He is a better candidate than the others and with a joint support from all the existing support groups under the APC, they would achieve success’’.

Umar appraised the level of security consciousness at the Eagle Square, venue of the declaration, saying that it was necessary for such rallies.

“The place is safe and secure as you have seen. We were all screened at the gate before coming in and we have told our members to be orderly,’’ Umar added.

Mr Haruna Muhawiya, a member of Buhari Coalition for Peace, another support group, said “only the general can guarantee that change needed to move the country to the next level.

“Gen. Muhammadu Buhari would emerge winner in a free and fair election and that is why we are here to support him. We know the country will transform under him in no time’’.

As activities were ongoing in the square, hawkers displayed their wares and made brisk business outside the arena.

Finnih Afolabi, who hawked colourful caps, said: “I thank God; this rally has moved my business to another level. I have almost run out of caps and the day is still young.

“My younger ones, also hawking caps, have been coming to ask for more caps; business is good.’’

Afolabi commended the security situation and termed the atmosphere peaceful.

Another hawker, Akinshola Yinka, a photographer, however, complained of low patronage.

“People are snapping but not the way we expect; I pray that at the end of the declaration more people will come out to patronise us since it is wait-and-get,’’ Yinka said.