Many delegates and journalists were on Friday prevented from accessing Eagle Square, the venue of the ongoing 8th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Independent Mirror reports that journalists were denied entry tags, leaving them stranded at the venue’s entrance.
Stern-looking security operatives were stationed at strategic points leading to the square, with some reportedly firing tear gas at delegates and journalists attempting to gain entry.
Some delegates and journalists who spoke with our correspondent condemned what they described as “poor arrangements” for the event.
Mallam Auwal Umar, a delegate, said one of his colleagues fainted after being exposed to tear gas fired by security operatives.
A journalist, who identified herself simply as Seyi, said efforts by her and her colleagues to obtain accreditation tags from the party’s Media and Publicity Committee were unsuccessful.
She questioned why access to such an important event was made difficult for both the press and delegates.
Our correspondent reports that as of 5:30 p.m., many delegates were still outside, struggling to gain entry into the venue.
A security official at the scene told our reporter that they were under strict instructions not to admit anyone without an accreditation tag.
Regarding the use of tear gas, the official, who requested anonymity, said police were forced to deploy canisters when they became overwhelmed by the crowd.
Reports indicate that 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.
As of the time of filing this report, delegates were still awaiting the arrival of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to declare the convention open.
Daily Trust
