There is likelihood of gridlock at the Abuja city centre as the ruling APC holds its grand presidential rally at the National Stadium today, Daily Trust reports.
Both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP had planned their grand rally to be held in Abuja today, but PDP leaders shelved theirs at the last minute. No reason was given at the time of filing this report even though the PDP had last week accused the Federal Government of denying it access to the Old Parade Ground in Central Business District in Abuja.
Daily Trust learnt that hundreds of APC chieftains from outside Abuja, including the 22 APC governors, are expected at the party’s grand rally, with adequate security provided as President Muhammadu Buhari is to deliver a speech at the event.
Most of the dignitaries, it was learnt, would be coming to the venue of the rally via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, hence there may be serious gridlock around the National Stadium axis, which is about 40 kilometres to the airport.
It was learnt that movements may be restricted around the event venue as APC supporters are to converge on the 60,491-capacity stadium very early in the morning.
The Abuja National Stadium, located at the centre of the city, links the popular Area One with Berger Roundabout even as those trying to access the airport mostly have to pass through the stadium.
But as a result of the APC grand rally, residents and other commuters may have to use alternative routes.
For example, those going to the airport may have to pass through Area One to the Games Village axis and connect with the expressway that leads to the airport.
As for those moving between Area One and Berger, they may have to go through the Central Area through the Area 3 junction, among other alternative ways.