Wike Denies ADC Was Blocked From Using Eagle Square for Convention

Wike Denies ADC Was Blocked From Using Eagle Square for Convention

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied access to Eagle Square for its national convention in Abuja, insisting that no formal application was properly submitted to the relevant authorities.

Wike made the clarification while speaking to journalists during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, where he addressed growing controversy surrounding the opposition party’s planned convention.

The allegation was first raised by former PDP spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, who claimed that less than 24 hours before the event, the ADC had not been allocated a venue despite repeated requests to the FCT administration.

According to Ologbondiyan, the party had written to the office of the FCT Minister seeking approval to use Eagle Square. Although the letter was acknowledged, he alleged that no official approval was granted. He also claimed the party’s request to use the Moshood Abiola National Stadium velodrome was declined, while several private event centres in Abuja reportedly refused to host the convention over fears of political backlash.

The ADC reportedly proceeded to secure an alternative venue, the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja, after encountering what it described as logistical and administrative hurdles.

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However, Wike rejected claims of political interference, stating that the proper procedure for booking Eagle Square was not followed. He explained that the facility is managed through the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) and requires formal application, payment, and security clearance before approval.

“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development. If it is ADC, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.

He further insisted that no official request had been received by the responsible agency.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When APC used Eagle Square and when PDP used the velodrome, they followed due process,” he added.

Wike also clarified that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium velodrome falls under the jurisdiction of the National Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration, distancing his office from decisions regarding its allocation.

A letter dated April 7, reportedly signed by ADC official Chinedu Idigo, had earlier shown that the party formally requested Eagle Square for what it described as a non-elective national convention. The party stated that the venue was chosen for its capacity, central location, and security suitability, and also assured authorities it would comply with all conditions, including payment and post-event maintenance.

Despite this, the request was reportedly not approved, prompting criticism from party stakeholders who alleged administrative delays and lack of transparency.

Wike, however, maintained that the FCT Administration does not deny any political party access to public facilities if due process is followed, adding that allegations of bias are politically motivated.

The minister also used the inspection visit to highlight ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja, expressing satisfaction with progress made on key road networks. He disclosed that several projects are expected to be completed by mid-May, while streetlight installations will be concluded shortly after.

At Gaduwa, he said measures had been taken to protect road corridors from encroachment, while at Wassa, plans were underway to relocate informal traders, including Apo Mechanic Village operators, to a newly developed facility with improved infrastructure.

Wike also addressed recent windstorm damage at the Kugbo Bus Terminal, describing it as a natural event that affected only roofing sheets, with repairs already ongoing. He stressed that the structure remains intact and no casualties were recorded.

The minister attributed ongoing development progress in the FCT to stronger contractor compliance and improved funding mechanisms, which he said have ensured steady delivery of projects across Abuja.

Wike Denies ADC Was Blocked From Using Eagle Square for Convention