The atmosphere at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, is already charged with excitement as delegates and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arrive in large numbers ahead of the party’s National Convention.

Although the convention had not officially commenced as of press time, hundreds of enthusiastic party loyalists were seen flooding the venue. Many delegates appeared in the official customised Ankara aso-ebi, while non-delegates and various support groups sported their own branded outfits.

Supporters of contestants for various national party positions and ahead of the 2026 general elections filled the arena, marching around with banners, posters, flags, and other campaign materials. The venue pulsated with loud music from the main sound system, complemented by drummers, trumpeters and flutists from different groups adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

A tour of the stadium showed that several designated seating areas were already filled, including those for delegates from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Niger, Zamfara, Borno, and Bayelsa. However, seats reserved for Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna were still empty at the time of reporting. Others yet to be occupied include Jigawa, Imo, Gombe, FCT, Enugu, Ekiti, Benue, Bauchi, Anambra and Abia.

The VIP section also remained empty.

Security presence was strong, with officers stationed at the designated voting areas and units already set up on the field.

Sources revealed that some senior party leaders had arrived in Ibadan but were still at their hotels. There are also indications that the party may consider adopting consensus candidates for certain positions in order to accommodate various interests, especially amid conflicting court rulings regarding the convention.

Meanwhile, business activities around the venue were thriving, as vendors selling PDP-branded items such as caps, T-shirts, flags, and other souvenirs made brisk sales.

Efforts to confirm the number of governors and top party officials already in the state were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Security agencies, including the police and other operatives, were present in large numbers to maintain order.