APC convention: Security gridlock at Eagle Square, as delegates,

• Tinubu’s ministers bounced from VIP box

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

There was confusion and frustration on Friday at Eagle Square, Abuja, as delegates and journalists faced prolonged security checks and bottlenecks while attempting to be admitted to the highly anticipated All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention.

Hundreds of party faithful, dressed in branded APC regalia, braved the scorching sun and sweltering heat only to endure multi-layered screenings by stern-faced operatives from the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. What should have been a straightforward entry from the gate facing the Federal Secretariat devolved into long hours of delay, apprehension and frustration, with security pushing many delegates beyond the iconic venue’s perimeter.

All routes around the Eagle Square have been barricaded and are manned by security operatives.

Accredited delegates eventually gained access, but those without accreditation struggled as personnel used force to hold them back. Some guards, unfamiliar with “villa tags,” ordered journalists wearing them to leave for lacking proper accreditation—until a colleague intervened, allowing them to join the snaking queue.

“We’ve been here since 10 a.m., flashing IDs and getting frisked repeatedly, yet no entry,” lamented a delegate gripping her accreditation tag. “This is our party’s big day—why make it so hard?”

Journalists faced equal frustration. Media crews from AIT, The Nation, Lagos Television, Leadership, Silverbird TV, and The Sun Nigeria reported similar ordeals. “We’ve followed every protocol, but the security is overzealous,” said one reporter who requested anonymity.

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory are seen trekking around the Eagle Square in Abuja on March 27, 2026.

Meanwhile drama erupted at the Eagle Square during the APC national convention when a group of federal ministers serving President Bola Tinubu’s administration attempted to enter the VIP box—only for security to allow just one through.

The ministers moved en masse toward the premium seating reserved for top party figures, including the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima, but security swiftly intervened, directing most back to their states’ delegation stands. Amid the rebuff, only the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance Wale Edun alone gained entry.