HAPPENING NOW: 7,000 delegates hit Abuja amid tight security to ratify Buhari’s candidacy for APC by Ukpono Etuk

Security is tight in and around the Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where delegates are expected to ratify Muhammadu Buhari's return ticket. At least 7,000 delegates from all over the country are gathered at the venue to ratify the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s flag bearer for next year’s presidential election. 

Delegates numbering 7000 are expected to endorse Buhari at the convention Fashola, Ambode and APC governorship candidate in Lagos Jide Sanwo-Olu at the convention APC national leader Bola Tinubu Delta state delegates Ekiti delegates came in their large numbers Governor of Kogi state Yahaya Bello addresses delegates at the convention All roads leading to the venue have been shut to vehicular traffic by combined teams of heavily armed security personnel.The agencies involved include: the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. Safety and emergency services such as the Federal Road Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the FCT Vehicle inspection Office (VIO) and the Federal and FCT and Fire Services are also taking part in the exercise. Traffic is being diverted at major intersections several metres away from the venue on both sides of the Ahmedu Bello and Shehu Shagari Ways, and adjoining routes leading to the Eagle Square. As at the time of filing this report at 2:30 pm, the event had yet to start. 

But the stage is set inside the Eagle Square where organisers are putting finishing touches to decorations on canopies and chairs prepared for delegates. Meanwhile, hawkers and other traders have taken over the federal secretariat car park behind the square and roadsides outside the security perimeter around the venue, displaying their wares for customers. 

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