Delegates and journalists faced challenges accessing the 8th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Eagle Square in Abuja, with many denied entry due to lack of tags or heavy security presence.
Journalists reported being stranded at the entrance, while some delegates were tear-gassed by security operatives trying to gain entry.
Some delegates and journalists have condemned what they described as the “poor arrangement” of the event.
Mallam Auwal Umar, a delegate, reported that one of their colleagues fainted after being hit by tear gas fired by security operatives.
One journalist, who simply identified herself as Seyi, said efforts to obtain accreditation tags from the party’s Media and Publicity Committee had failed.
She questioned why access to such an important event was made so difficult for both the press and delegates.
Regarding the use of tear gas, the official, who requested anonymity, claimed that police were forced to deploy canisters whenever they felt overwhelmed by the crowd.
About 8,453 delegates are expected to ratify the re-election of 30 members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) at the convention.
At the time of filing this report, delegates were still awaiting the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to declare the convention open.
