…Transport, hotel costs soar amid influx
The National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), convened to elect members of its National Working Committee (NWC), took on the tone of a campaign rally as speakers repeatedly highlighted the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This comes as Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, witnessed heightened security and unusual socio-economic activity, with both the APC and factions of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) holding parallel conventions over the weekend.
While the APC gathered at the Eagle Square between Friday and Saturday, the PDP faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT), Nyesom Wike, scheduled its convention at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola International Stadium from Sunday to Monday.
The convergence of political actors, delegates, and supporters from across the country has placed the city under tight security, with heavy deployment of personnel and increased surveillance in strategic locations.
Movement within the city became significantly difficult on Friday due to the influx of visitors. Transportation costs surged sharply, with fares for trips that typically cost about N2,000 rising to between N3,000 and N4,000, depending on availability and demand.
Hotel accommodation also witnessed a spike in prices. Most hotels within the city centre and adjoining districts were fully booked as early as Thursday morning. Rooms that previously went for about N30,000 per night were now priced between N40,000 and N50,000, depending on location and facilities.
Despite the inconveniences, the atmosphere in parts of the city reflected a carnival-like mood, as delegates and supporters were seen singing, dancing, and celebrating in groups.
At the APC convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” proceedings at Eagle Square followed a structured programme, beginning with the arrival of delegates and dignitaries, including governors, National Assembly leadership, and members of the party’s National Caucus.
Key highlights included goodwill messages from various stakeholder groups, reform-focused presentations by heads of government agencies, and remarks by party leaders. The convention also featured a presidential address by President Tinubu before the formal commencement of party business.
The convention progressed into core activities such as the adoption of reports from ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, decisions on the mode of election, and the dissolution of existing party executives.
Subsequently, elections into national offices were conducted, followed by the collation and announcement of results, and the acceptance speech by the newly elected National Chairman.
