2027: APC rally causes gridlock in Benin City

Motorists spent hours in traffic and commuters walked long distances in Benin City as Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived for an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally. The event disrupted movement across the Edo State capital. Commercial drivers sought alternative routes to avoid congestion, but traffic built up on those roads, limiting passengers' options for reaching their destinations.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that blocked access roads around the Oba's Palace and Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the rally venue, contributed to the disruption. The congestion affected Airport Road, Plymouth Road, Reservation Road, Exotic Road and Ekenwan Road, alongside several streets within the Government Reservation Area. Police officers, military personnel and Federal Road Safety Corps officials directed vehicles and maintained order as supporters gathered along the vice-president's route.

According to Daily Trust, Shettima reached Benin Airport at about noon, accompanied by governors, ministers, senators, members of the House of Representatives and other APC leaders attending the campaign event ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Supporters assembled at both the airport and the palace to receive the delegation, despite commuters facing difficulties elsewhere in the city.

The presence of security personnel at major junctions helped to maintain order and direct vehicles. However, commuters faced significant challenges, with many opting to walk long distances to their destinations. The rally and Shettima's visit had a substantial impact on the city's traffic and daily activities.

The APC presidential campaign rally is part of the party's efforts to promote its agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Shettima's visit to Edo State is significant, given the state's importance in Nigerian politics. The rally and the vice-president's address to supporters are expected to boost the party's visibility and popularity in the region.

The event also highlights the challenges associated with large-scale political gatherings in urban areas. The congestion and disruption caused by the rally underscore the need for effective traffic management strategies during such events. Authorities will likely review the event's impact and assess measures to mitigate similar disruptions in the future.

Key stakeholders, including the APC and government officials, will likely evaluate the success of the rally and the vice-president's visit. The event's outcome and Shettima's address will be closely monitored for insights into the party's strategy and vision for the 2027 presidential election.

Key points

• The APC presidential campaign rally caused significant gridlock in Benin City.
• Vice-President Kashim Shettima's visit was accompanied by a large delegation of APC leaders.
• The event disrupted daily activities and traffic in the Edo State capital.