Our online producer @yasmineryan reporting from Nice where Nicholas Sarkozy addressed 10,000 supporters, said:

"Stressing the need for the right to band together, Sarkozy gave special thanks to two front row guests: Bernadette Sarkozy and Rama Yade. 

Days after French media reported that her husband, former president Jacques Chirac, would vote for the Socialist candidate, Bernadette told the audience: "Sarkozy needs you!"

Yade, a former member of Sarkozy's government who fell out of favour with his advisers for her outspokenness, also came to show her support."