The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced voting at its elective national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, following hours of delay caused by extended accreditation procedures and heavy security lockdown around the venue.
Despite the event being scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., accreditation was still incomplete by early afternoon. As of 1:35 p.m., only 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had successfully concluded accreditation. Party officials attributed the slow start to the arrival of delegates traveling from distant parts of the country. The main voting exercise has now been rescheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m.
A Venue of Contrasts: Festivity Inside, Frustration Outside
Inside the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, thousands of party supporters filled the stands, chanting solidarity songs and displaying campaign materials in anticipation of the day’s major decisions. The stadium was awash in the PDP’s iconic green-white-red colors, giving the atmosphere an unmistakable festival-like vibrance.
However, outside the venue, the situation was markedly different.
Major entry points around the metropolis—including Eleyele, Mokola Roundabout, Dugbe, Sango, University of Ibadan, Ojoo, Sasa, Oremeji, Oke Itunu, and Agodi Gate—were placed under temporary lockdown. The extensive security cordon led to significant traffic disruptions, forcing residents and commercial drivers to seek unplanned detours.
Commercial drivers expressed frustration over what many described as “a day of avoidable standstill.”
Security Operatives Take Full Control
A combined team of police officers, civil defence personnel, and private security operatives secured the venue, screening entry points and closely monitoring crowd movements. The tight perimeter, officials noted, was intended to prevent security breaches and maintain order as thousands of delegates converged from across Nigeria.
Voting Area Prepared and Awaiting Delegates
At the center of the pitch, voting cubicles and ballot stations had already been set up, awaiting the full arrival of accredited delegates. Party electoral officials expressed confidence that the convention would conclude smoothly once voting commenced.
The convention is expected to determine key leadership positions within the PDP, as party stakeholders watch closely for outcomes that may shape internal power dynamics and the party’s broader future ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
