THISDAYonline

Awka, the Anambra State capital was a beehive of activities yesterday as the state governor, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, formally flagged-off his his re-election campaign under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) ticket.

Thousands of party faithfuls started arriving the venue of the rally, as early as 9.00am for the occasion which started at 2pm.

However, Stern looking security operatives stood guard at the venue and routes while petty traders made brisk business with their wares as people scrambled to buy a sachet of pure water, ice cream, kola nuts and confectioneries.

A sachet of pure water sold for N10, a 100 per cent price increase while soft drink and ice cream sellers used the opportunity to also increase prices.

Traditional rulers, town unions, commercial motorcycle riders, students and market unions in the state, road transport unions and women associations were not left out as various cultural dances entertained the audience.

A mock coffin was moved round the venue of the rally with an inscription ``PDP rip''.

Speaking on Mbadinuju's chan-ces in the elections, the President-General of the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Union, Prince Jerry Asoanya, described the mammoth crowd as a sign of solidarity for the governor.