Tension and disarray marked the 8th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress on Friday, as delegates and journalists struggled to gain access to the venue at Eagle Square.
Despite prior accreditation, numerous participants were left stranded outside the convention ground, unable to obtain entry tags. The situation sparked widespread frustration, with affected journalists and delegates criticising what they described as poor planning by organisers.
Several media personnel reported repeated but unsuccessful attempts to secure accreditation from the event’s Media and Publicity Committee. One journalist, identified as Seyi, lamented the difficulty of accessing such a high-profile political gathering despite proper credentials.
Delegates were similarly affected, with many travelling from across the country only to be denied entry. The large crowd at the entrance further heightened tensions as security operatives enforced strict access control.
Security presence at the venue was notably heavy, with officers stationed at key نقاط around the square. In an effort to disperse the growing crowd, operatives fired tear gas at individuals attempting to force their way in.
One delegate, Mallam Auwal Umar, said a colleague collapsed after inhaling tear gas, describing the development as unexpected and distressing.
A security official, speaking anonymously, defended the actions of the operatives, stating they were acting on firm instructions to deny entry to anyone without valid identification. He added that the use of tear gas became necessary after the crowd became unmanageable.
The convention is expected to host over 8,000 delegates, who will ratify the re-election of members of the party’s National Working Committee. However, as of late afternoon, many accredited participants were still unable to access the venue.
Meanwhile, delegates continued to await the arrival of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is scheduled to officially declare the convention open.
The chaotic scenes have cast a shadow over the event, with calls for improved organisation and coordination at future party gatherings.
