IN PICTURES: Thousands throng APC presidential rally venue in Lagos

Thousands of members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday thronged the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, for the party’s presidential campaign rally.

The party faithful started arriving at the venue as early as 8:00am, defying a morning rain.

They dressed in APC branded vests and attires, waving brooms and dancing in the rain to live music by different musicians ahead of the arrival of the party’s Presidential candidate, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and other party chieftains.

One of the party supporters, Mr Moruff Adeniyi said that the rain should be considered as showers of blessing.
“As you can see, people are not bothered, it should be considered as showers of blessing,’’ he said.

Mrs Funmi Oloruntoba, another supporter, said that everyone was excited and happy and the rain did not matter to them.
“You can see the stadium is filled to capacity and people are overjoyed and excited,’’ she said.

The rain, however, stopped after some time, as people continued to dance to music from entertainers at the venue.
There was heavy presence of security personnel at the venue to prevent violence.

Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and policemen were stationed at strategic places.

Also officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) were also on hand to ensure free flow of traffic on Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, where the venue is located.

Ambulances manned by health workers were also stationed in the stadium to attend to emergency cases.

Traders also made brisk business at the venue, selling food, drinks, brooms, T shirts and APC branded hats to party members and supporters.

Some Nollywood artists including Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, among others, were also seen at the venue.