Political campaigns are usually dirty, vitriol-filled and no respecter of truth. If the 2015 presidential election was preceded by a seemingly polarising campaign – one that fed fat on ethnic and religious differences, the current has relied heavily on fake news and underhand tactics.
However, across campaign grounds in the country, photographers, who are constantly on the trail of the main contenders – All Progressives Congress’s President Muhammadu Buhari and People’s Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar – are documenting poignant moments that would have easily filtered away.
In this piece, we look at some interesting pictures from President Buhari’s campaign.
4+4 = ?

PHOTO: BAYO OMOBORIOWO
Before the presentation of the 2019 budget to the National Assembly in December 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari’s famous fist was already a widely known symbol. But his rockstar entry into the House of Representatives chamber, where he presented the spending plan, Sai Baba came up with another one: he raised his two hands, bent his thumbs leaving four fingers left on each hand. The message was clear – Sai Baba was gunning for four more years.
PHOTO: NOVO ISIORO
That gesture has now become arguably the most popular political symbol since the campaigns started last year. That was evident when Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the palace of Emir of Bwari.
High and above
PHOTO: BAYO OMOBORIOWO
We can argue that VP Osinbajo’s use of 4+4 is a given, but what about this young man in Jigawa, who was adamant about literally standing head and shoulders above everyone else? The dangerous blend of loyalty and high-risk is clear enough. Did he stand out?
PHOTO: BAYO OMOBORIOWO
Apparently, the Jigawa man was not the only one who intended to stand tall when Buhari campaign in the state on February 2. A few others (including kids) branched out from the crowd, choosing to perch on a leafless tree on the campaign ground.
Power fist
PHOTO: BAYO OMOBORIOWO
However, that famous raised fist, like an old trusted friend, still gets to surface on the campaign trail whenever the president needs it, like when he went to commission the Ariaria Market Independent Power Project in Abia.
Victory for one, victory for all
PHOTO: NOVO ISIORO
Let’s us not forget that VP Osinbajo victory sign is his own go-to sign when campaigning. That sign was once made popular in Nigerian politics by the first premier of the Western Region Obafemi Awolowo, whose granddaughter Osinbajo married. Coincidence?
Beating for an extra four
PHOTO: TOLANI ALLI
Once upon a time, there was Akin the Drummer Boy…and in 2019, we have Sai Baba the Drummer President. How else can you show the people of South West Nigeria that you are at home in Ibadan, one of the most important cities in the region? By eating amala? Maybe. How about having a go at the gangan, also known as the talking drum?
Star Boy comes closer
PHOTO: NOVO ISIORO
Talking about the South West, where VP Osinbajo is a son of the soil, APC is ruling in all six states. A lot of analysts think the region will tilt towards Sai Baba.
But the Star Boy of the APC campaign is taking no chances… It does not matter if you are an aged couple in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, or Alhaji Jamiu Sanusi with four wives in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, the Star Boy comes closer.
PHOTO: NOVO ISIORO