Buhari returns to Nigeria 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.

Our correspondent gathered 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.”