The traffic situation in Lagos deteriorated on Saturday as the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) held its presidential campaign rally at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
The rally was in support of APC presidential candidate Sen. Bola Tinubu and running partner Sen. Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The gathering, which brought together APC officials, members, support organisations in Lagos, and contingents from neighbouring south-western states, caused traffic on Ikorodu Road, with Funso Williams Avenue and the Surulere axis being particularly affected.
Because of the crowds, Tinubu’s supporters had to walk a long way to get to the site, which was well-guarded.
Hundreds of campaign vehicles, primarily BRT, commercial buses, and private automobiles transporting party members to the rally site, were parked on key roadways.
The stadium’s main bowl and the venue’s premises were fully occupied as early as midday.
While the rally had yet to begin at the time of reporting this story, so many people were still attempting to get entry into the site despite the hot sun.
Thousands of fans clad in various campaign outfits, T-shirts, and hats of various colours were busy blowing trumpets, waving brooms, hoisting flags, and other party insignia.
APC chairmen from the South West states, party executives and leaders, candidates, parliamentarians, and others were already seated at the site.
Other dignitaries and support groups include the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governors, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, former Gov.Olusegun Osoba of Ogun, former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Idiat Adebule, and other dignitaries.
Wasiu Ayinde, a prominent Fuji star, and other hip-hop artists delighted fans with a live play during the occasion, much to the delight of the attendees.
Nollywood celebs such as Yinka Quadri, Saheed Balogun, Eniola Ajao, Modupe Daramola, Taiwo Hassan, and Terry G were also there.
The campaign site was well guarded, with security agencies and ad hoc security workers strategically placed at the many ports of entry.
Before admitting admission, security personnel conducted a thorough search of APC supporters.
