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, comprising operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

The security operatives are currently conducting rigorous screening of delegates, party stakeholders and observers at the entry points to the venue.

Strategically positioned patrol vehicles are also manning access gates and various points within and around the stadium premises to maintain order.

Inside the Velodrome, delegates from several states have already taken their seats.

They include delegates from Osun, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Kogi, Plateau, Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), among others.

The seating arrangements were 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 the delegates wait for the official commencement of the programme.

The theme of the 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 are Minister of the Federal CapitalTerritory, Nyesom Wike, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, among many others.

(NAN)