The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied access to Eagle Square in Abuja for its national convention, insisting that no formal application for the facility was submitted.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike described the claims as “baseless,” maintaining that the Federal Capital Territory Administration could not have rejected a request that was never officially made.
Wike said questions over the alleged denial were unfounded, stressing that due process governs the allocation of public event venues in Abuja.
“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development. If it is the African Democratic Congress, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Nyesom Wike stated.
He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to formal procedures, including written application submitted through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which manages the facility, alongside payment of required charges.
According to him, no documentation from the ADC had been received by the relevant authorities.
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited,” Nyesom Wike said.
The minister also clarified that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, another facility mentioned in reports linked to the ADC’s venue search, is not under the control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, but rather the National Sports Commission.
He noted that other political parties, including the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, had previously accessed such facilities only after complying with established procedures.
“When the All Progressives Congress used the venue and the Peoples Democratic Party used the Stadium’s Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.
The ADC had earlier raised concerns over difficulties in securing a venue for its national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026, in Abuja.
Party officials claimed that attempts to book Eagle Square were unsuccessful, while alternative requests, including the use of the Velodrome, were also reportedly turned down.
Chairman of the party’s Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the convention, Kola Ologbondiyan, had alleged that although an acknowledgement was received after writing to the office of the FCT Minister, no approval followed.
He also claimed that privately owned event centres in Abuja were reluctant to host the party due to fear of possible backlash.
Despite the challenges, the ADC maintained that it would proceed with its convention, later announcing a shift to the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja as an alternative venue.
Wike, however, insisted that the government remains open to lawful access for all political parties and organizations, provided they follow due process and meet required obligations.
He added that ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory were progressing steadily, with assurances that key road developments would be completed by mid-May 2026.
