The main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan — venue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention — was already buzzing with activity on Saturday as party faithful trooped in ahead of the official commencement of proceedings.
Though the elective convention was yet to begin, The Nation observed hundreds of loyalists pouring into the arena. Many delegates arrived in customised Ankara Aso Ebi for the event, while non-delegates clustered around the stadium in various branded outfits.
Supporters of aspirants for national positions — and ahead of the 2026 general election — marched across the field with large banners, posters, flags and other campaign items. Despite loud music blaring from the stadium speakers, drummers, flutists and trumpeters from different support groups added to the colourful, high-energy atmosphere.
Flags of various designs and sizes fluttered across the venue.
A tour of the stands showed that some delegates had already settled into their designated seats, while others reserved with name banners were still vacant. States already represented include Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Niger, Zamfara, Borno and Bayelsa.
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As of press time, seats for Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna remained empty.
Others still empty include: Jigawa, Imo, Gombe, Federal Capital City (FCT), Enugu, Ekiti, Benue, Bauch, Anambra and Abia.
The reserved Very Important Persons (VIP) designated box was also still empty as at the time of this report.
The Nation observed that the voting areas as well as designated voting units demarcated on the field are been manned by security operatives.
Sources hinted that some top party leaders and functionaries have already arrived the state but still at the various hotels.
Another sources said then party leaders may adopt the option of consensus candidates for the various posts to accommodate all interests in the wake of contradicting course judgements training the conduct of the convention.
The convention also provides a good business opportunity for traders with those selling the party accessories including customised logo, cap, t-shirts, flags, fez caps, hat, hand fans among other souvenirs are making quick gains.
Effort to confirm the number of Governors and other top party leaders already in the state proved abortive as of the time of this report.
Heavy scrutiny personnel from the Police and other sister agencies are at the venue in their large number.
