APC Convention: Abuja Workers Trek Through Bush Paths as Road Closures Disrupt Movement

APC Convention: Abuja Workers Trek Through Bush Paths as Road Closures Disrupt Movement

Workers in parts of Abuja were on Friday forced to trek through bush paths and alternative routes to access their offices following heavy security checks and road closures mounted for the national convention of the All Progressives Congress.

The disruption comes a day after the Federal Government announced the closure of roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex and Eagle Square, directing workers within the area to work from home.

However, findings by National Periscope showed that the directive did not take into account thousands of other workers whose offices are located outside the Federal Secretariat but rely on the same routes to access their workplaces.

As early as Friday morning, major roads leading to key districts, including Maitama and the Three Arms Zone, were cordoned off by security operatives, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to abandon vehicles and continue their journeys on foot.

Some workers were seen navigating narrow footpaths and bush tracks in a bid to beat time and avoid being marked absent at work.

A staff member of a private firm, Bright Obasi, said he was left with no option but to trek after being turned back by security personnel despite leaving home early.

“This is unfair, I left home early to resume work, only to be stopped by these people. I’m already late for work and I can only hope my oga will understand,” he said.

The development has triggered frustration among affected residents, many of whom argued that the government should have declared a public holiday across the Federal Capital Territory rather than impose what they described as avoidable hardship.

A civil servant, identified simply as Toyin, expressed anger over the situation after trekking for more than 30 minutes to reach her office.

“You can see the way I’m sweating. I’ve been trekking for over 30 minutes to access my office. It’s really frustrating,” she said.

Toyin, who said she was aware of the earlier circular, noted that the directive failed to consider workers outside the Federal Secretariat.

“They should know that not every civil servant works at the Federal Secretariat and some of us need to pass those blocked roads to link with our offices. They need to do better next time. Maybe declaring a public holiday for everybody,” she added.

Similarly, a businessman, Vincent Okoli, described his experience as stressful, noting that he had to abandon his initial travel plan after encountering multiple roadblocks.

“The only option I’m left with is this footpath inside this bush. It’s not funny at all. I parked my car at home and joined a commercial vehicle thinking that would be better, but the security guys are not making things easy at all. They just don’t want to listen. Must the masses be subject to this kind of harsh treatment all the time?” he lamented.

Efforts to get comments from security personnel stationed at the checkpoints were unsuccessful, as officers on duty declined to speak on the matter.

Meanwhile, a member of the APC, who was heading to the convention venue and spoke on condition of anonymity, defended the arrangements, saying the party could not have pushed for a public holiday across the territory.

He appealed for understanding from residents, noting that the disruption was temporary.

“It’s just a day event. It’s not possible for our party to block roads again on Monday. It’s one in a blue moon experience, kindly bear with us,” he said.

The Federal Government, in its earlier circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, had ordered the closure of access roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex from March 27 to March 28, 2026, citing the need for security and coordination during the APC National Convention.

While the measure was intended to ease movement for delegates and ensure safety, Friday’s experience suggests that the ripple effects extended beyond the intended areas, significantly affecting daily economic and official activities in the nation’s capital.

For many workers, the day turned into an unplanned endurance test, highlighting the broader impact of large-scale political events on ordinary residents.