Abuja: Security has been intensified at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as delegates arrive for the 2026 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elective national convention. Armed personnel and surveillance teams from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed to ensure order and safety at this high‑stakes gathering.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the heavy presence of security personnel is aimed at ensuring a hitch-free exercise at the venue.
The police are conducting rigorous screening for delegates, DSS operatives are monitoring for security threats, and NSCDC personnel are managing crowd movement at the venue’s entry points.
Patrol vehicles are stationed at access gates and key points within the stadium to maintain order.
Inside the Velodrome, delegates from several states have already taken their seats.
Delegates come from Osun, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Kogi, Plateau, Oyo, the FCT, and others.
Seating is organised alphabetically by state to enable smooth voting.
In line with requirements, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials are present to monitor the proceedings.
NAN also reports that the voting cubicles have been set up, as delegates wait for the official commencement of the programme.
The convention’s theme, with 2,500 expected delegates, is: “A Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal.”
Party leaders expected at the convention include the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa; and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, among several others.