PDP Convention Timeline

By Dapo Akinrefon

7:00  Operatives embark on last-minute security check

7:05: Female police operatives take position at  delegates’ platform

7:15: SSS operatives take over presidential stage

7:20: FCT police boss, Femi Ogunbayode, arrives to take charge of security

7:42: Delegates arrive convention ground

7:45: Ken Nnamani, Bode George, Ebenezer Babatope, Stella Omu, Sam Egwu arrive

8:30: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Josephine Anenih, Peter Odili, Godsday Orubebe arrive

9:00: Ushers take position

9:05: Gbenga Ashiru, Joy Emodi, Dan Suleman, Emeka Wogu, Onyeka Owenu arrive

9:15: Police helicopter hovers over  convention ground

9:45: Jerry Gana, chairman, convention planning committee, arrives

9:50: Former Speaker of the House of Reps, Mr Dimeji Bankole, arrives

9:52: Nyeson Wike leads Rivers delegates bearing Uche Secondus emblem

10:05: Ministers take seat at VIP stand

10:07: Deputy Speaker, House of Reps, Emeka Ihedioha, Pius Anyim, DSP Alamaseigha, Bode Olajumoke arrive

10:30: Paul Play Diaro performs

10:45: Governors Sule Lamido  (Jigawa) and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) arrive

10:50: Andy Uba, Ibrahim Mantu arrive

10:55: More delegates troop in

11:00:  Governor Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Chris Uba, INEC officials arrive

11:13: Delegates fight at Kaduna State platform, security agents move in to calm situation

11:15: Gov Jonah Jang (Plateau) arrives

11:17: Tony Nwoye arrives with Anambra State delegates

11:20: Chris Uba supporters fight with those of Tony Nwoye over sitting arrangement

*Aids of Andy uba and Tony Nwoye clashed at 2013 PDP Special National Convention. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

11:25: Security operatives unable to calm situation

11:30: Olisa Metuh steps in to douse tension

11:32: Anambra delegates chant Nwoye to affirm his candidacy

11:35: President Jonathan, VP Sambo, Dame Jonathan arrive, go round to greet delegates

11:45: Programme commences with singing of the national anthem

11:46: NSDC boss, Dr Ade Abodunrin, goes round for security check

11:47: Chief Imam of Abuja gives opening prayer

11:58: Jerry Gana gives opening remarks

12:05: Party Chairman, Bamanga Tukur addresses delegates

12:07: Governors Kwankwanso (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Wamakko (Sokoto) converge at Niger State’s platform

12:15: Governors Kwankwanso (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Wamakko (Sokoto), Babangida Aliyu (Niger) head to presidential platform to greet President Jonathan

12:40: Musical interlude by Paul Play Dairo

12:50: Goodwill messages

1:13: Onyeka Owenu performs

1:15: Governor Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), chairman, PDP Governors Forum, addresses delegates

1:25: BOT Chairman, Tony Anenih, addresses delegates

1:28: Speaker, House of Reps, Aminu Tambuwal, gives goodwill message

1:31: Senate President  David Mark gives speech

1:40: Vice President Namadi Sambo addresses delegates

2:00: Muslims conduct prayers behind convention ground

President Jonathan addresses delegates

2:30: Jonathan ends speech

2:33: Delegates cut unity solidarity cakes

2:40: Chairman, Election  Panel, Ken Nnamani, addresses delegates on voting pattern