The Delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party for the national convention have practically taken over Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
food vendors, traders in various consumables have also set up canopies around the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium, venue of the 2018 National Convention.
The delegates, all of whom were dressed in various uniforms designed from the party’s colours, were seen in all corners of the city.
The presence of the delegates has led to heavy traffic in major streets in Port Harcourt metropolis, and residents, motorists are forced to make way for siren-blaring convoys of party chieftains.
But not all residents of Port Harcourt are complaining over the ‘invasion’, hotels and other operators in the hospitality industry have recorded a huge upturn in their businesses – all available hotel rooms have been taken up
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondents at the venue report that some of the delegates have also been sleeping in vehicles parked within the open spaces around the stadium since October 5.
Similarly, posters of the 13 aspirants jostling for the party’s presidential ticket at the convention conspicuously adorned streets leading to the stadium.
The aspirants are: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Senator Bukola Saraki; Ibrahim Dankwambo; Rabiu Kwankwaso; Aminu Tambuwal; Senator David Mark, Ahmed Makarfi; and Jonah Jang.
Others are: Senator David Mark; Sule Lamido; Atahiru Bafarawa; Tanimu Turaki; Datti Baba-Ahmed; and Stanley Osifo.
The presence of Nigeria Police personnel and other security agencies were also noticeable around the stadium to maintain law and order.
Praise singers with various musical instruments professing the virtues of their candidates also thronged the venue.