APC Presidential, Gubernatorial Rallies: LASG releases alternative routes; Lagos Government says rally won’t cause traffic gridlock

In a bid to ensure a hassle-free traffic flow, following planned All Progress Congress (APC) Presidential and Gubernatorial rallies scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 26th, 2022, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, the Lagos State Government has released alternative routes to guide the motoring public through their movement in and out the venue of the rally.

The Commissioner for Transport Dr. Frederic Oladeinde made this known on Thursday through a statement released by the ministry, saying the advisory is to enable the motoring public to reach their desired destinations without delay.

To millions of Lagosians, Saturday’s presidential campaign which spans from 9.00 am and ends at 4.00 pm is a welcome development to rekindle their love for Tinubu and show appreciation for his creation of modern Lagos.

According to the state Coordinator of the Media Committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, 750 people from each of the 55 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas will be mobilised to the campaign field.

Bamigbetan who was a former commissioner for information and strategy in the state explained that every security logistic to ensure a peaceful rally, including traffic and human control, had been put in place.

He assured free movement of vehicles and humans as he urged Lagosians to be wary of social media alarmists who might want to use the rally as an excuse to distort traffic reports.

Unlike in other states, the traffic situation in Lagos is heavy and with the present political atmosphere, the state government has quickly devised a means to prevent gridlock in the metropolis.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde said in a statement that the traffic situation around the stadium would be well regulated as he also advised Lagosians to plan their movement around Funsho Williams Avenue and Alhaji Masha areas in Surulere.

He said that there would be a series of traffic diversions for safety and security management purposes, adding, “Traffic on Funsho Williams/Western Avenue inward Lagos Island will be diverted to the Express Lanes at Barracks bus stop for people going to Costain, Apapa, Ijora, Victoria Island, Lagos Island, and off to Olumegbon for people going to New Lagos/Surulere areas.

“Traffic on Funsho Williams/Western Avenue inward Surulere/Ojuelegba will be diverted to the Express Lanes/Stadium Bridge at Alaka bus stop for people going to Mushin, Palm groove, Ikeja, Ojota, Ikorodu areas, and off to Bode Thomas and Eric Moore at Iponri Estate for people going to New Lagos/Surulere areas.

According to him, vehicular movement on Alhaji Masha road to Akerele/Shitta junction and Funsho Williams from Olumegbon junction to Alaka will be totally restricted for safety, as only human traffic will be allowed.

Oladeinde explained that vehicles conveying party members and others with accredited stickers for the rally would be provided free parking with access at the National Stadium only via Alaka into the National Stadium stressing that those from Ojuelegba/Mushin/Palmgrove on Funsho Williams will access the National Stadium via U-turn at Alaka. Also, those from Surulere will access the Stadium via Adeniran Ogunsanya/Bode Thomas/Ogunlana Drive/Alaji Masha to connect Alaka inward to the National Stadium.

The Commissioner mentioned that directional signs, tow vehicles, and barricades would be made available, he also assured that the Traffic Management Personnel will be on standby to provide assistance and guide motorists/pedestrians during the rallies.

In the wake of the event, and to facilitate the free flow of traffic, the following sections of the road will be temporarily closed and traffic diverted as stated below:

Service lane from Barracks leading to the Stadium, and traffic diverted to the main carriageway inwards Stadium Bridge to Iponri

Service lane leading to Stadium from Alaka, and traffic diverted to the main carriageway inwards Stadium Bridge to Ojuelegba

Shitta Bridge and service lane leading to Stadium after Shitta Roundabout, and traffic diverted to either Adeniran Ogunsanya Street or Akerele Street

The Transport Commissioner reiterated that there will be Zero tolerance for unlawful and haphazard parking of vehicles on both sides of the Stadium Bridge, urging all party dignitaries (VVIPs, VIPs), guests, stalwarts, party faithful, and members to make use of the designated Car Park at the National Stadium to promote orderliness, safety and security of lives and property as well as the free flow of traffic (human and vehicular traffic) in and around the venue.

Transport Commissioner also commend Lagosians for their patience and understanding. He solicited residents’ cooperation with all the Law Enforcement Officials assigned to carry out their respective tasks.