Controversy In Enugu As Bus Convoy Mobilizes ESUT Students From ICC To APC Political Rally At Okpara Square

ENUGU, NIGERIA — Tensions flared around the premises of the Enugu International Conference Centre (ICC) following a confrontation involving local security personnel and operators of hired transport buses chartered to mobilize students for a political rally.

​Eyewitnesses reported that students from the Department of Purchase and Supply at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)—who were expected to vacate campus following examinations and ongoing industrial action—were seen boarding designated commercial buses parked near the ICC complex. The vehicles were part of a coordinated convoy transporting attendees to a political campaign event organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Michael Okpara Square.

​The situation escalated when venue security officers and traffic marshals challenged bus drivers over unauthorized parking and traffic obstruction around the ICC entrance corridors. Security personnel expressed concern over the heavy influx of hired crowds and student groups, citing safety risks, vehicular congestion, and improper use of public infrastructure facilities.

​The incident has drawn sharp criticism from student advocates and civil society groups, who questioned the ethical implications of mobilizing undergraduates for political rallies during academic disruptions. Affected observers called on political party operators to refrain from using public educational institutions and student bodies as tools for campaign optics.