Tear Gas, Tension at APC Convention as Chaos Erupts Outside Eagle Square

ABUJA, March 28, 2026 —
A dramatic security breach marred the 8th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday evening, as police operatives fired tear gas at delegates, journalists, and party supporters gathered outside Eagle Square.
The incident triggered widespread panic, with videos circulating online showing distressed attendees coughing, gasping for air, and fleeing in disarray. Eyewitnesses reported that some individuals fainted, while others abandoned personal belongings in a desperate bid to escape the choking fumes.
The convention, a major political gathering, drew over 8,450 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. High-profile attendees included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, dozens of state governors, and key members of the federal cabinet.
Crowd Surge Sparks Security Crackdown
Tensions escalated as thousands of accredited and unaccredited individuals attempted to access the heavily secured venue. Major roads leading to Eagle Square were cordoned off, resulting in gridlock and forcing many participants to trek long distances.
Witness accounts suggest that even properly accredited delegates and media personnel were not spared. A delegate from Taraba State alleged that security agents deployed tear gas indiscriminately despite the presentation of valid access tags. Journalists also reported difficulties obtaining accreditation and were later blocked or dispersed at entry points.
Security officials reportedly justified the action as necessary to control overcrowding and prevent a breakdown of order. However, critics have condemned the response as excessive, pointing to the presence of heavily armed personnel and reports of intimidation at multiple checkpoints.
Convention Proceeds Amid Controversy
Despite the disruption outside, activities within the venue continued largely uninterrupted. The convention focused on the election of a new National Working Committee (NWC), with several positions reportedly filled through consensus arrangements aimed at fostering unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his address, President Tinubu rallied party members around his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” calling for cohesion and strategic alignment within the ruling party.
The event also featured entertainment from prominent Nigerian artists and logistical support for delegates, including reports of financial disbursements—though such claims remain unofficial.
Silence from Party Leadership
As of press time, the APC leadership had yet to issue an official statement regarding the tear gas incident. Nonetheless, the episode has sparked outrage and debate across social media, with many questioning the organization, crowd control measures, and the optics of force used at a flagship event of Nigeria’s ruling party.
The development underscores the persistent challenges of managing large-scale political gatherings in the country, even within the ranks of the governing party.
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