Abuja: Security has been beefed up at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja, as delegates arrive for the 2026 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elective national convention. The heavy security presence comprises personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), all deployed to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the security operatives are conducting rigorous screening of delegates, party stakeholders, and observers at the entry points to the venue. Strategically positioned patrol vehicles are manning access gates and various points within and around the stadium premises to maintain order. Inside the Velodrome, delegates from several states, including Osun, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Kogi, Plateau, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have already taken their seats.
The seating arrangements are organised for states in alphabetical order to facilitate a seamless voting process. In line with statutory requirements, a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is already seated to monitor the proceedings of the elective convention.
The voting cubicles have been set, as delegates wait for the official commencement of the programme. The theme of the national convention, expected to be attended by a total of 2,500 delegates, is ‘A Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal.’ Party leaders expected at the convention include Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, among several others.