Convention: I’m Not Aware ADC Was Denied Venue — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that any faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied the usage of the Eagle Square for its national convention.

A former spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has earlier on Monday, alleged that “24 hours to the @ADCNig National Convention, the Nigerian-aligned political party is yet to be issued a venue.”

According to him, the party had written to the office of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike,, seeking permission to use Eagle Square, but although the letter was acknowledged, no official response had been received.

Ologbodiyan added that the party also approached officials of the ministry of sports development for the use of the velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, but the request was declined.

He further alleged that several privately owned event centres in Abuja turned down the party’s requests over fears of possible government backlash.

Despite the challenges, the party insisted that the convention would proceed as scheduled in the federal capital territory.

A letter dated April 7 and signed by Chinedu Idigo showed that the party had formally applied for the use of Eagle Square for what it described as a non-elective convention.

Idigo said the event is expected to attract delegates, stakeholders, and observers from across the 36 states and the FCT, noting that Eagle Square was selected for its capacity, accessibility, and security arrangements.

“I assure you that all necessary protocols will be strictly adhered to, including compliance with security guidelines, facility management rules, and restoration of the venue to its original condition after use,” the letter reads.

He also stated that the party was ready to meet all financial obligations required for the use of the facility.

However, the request was declined, although reasons for the decision were not disclosed.

Subsequently, the ADC announced that the convention would now be held at Rainbow Event Center in Abuja, describing it as a central and accessible alternative venue for participants expected from across the country.

However, Wike, while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja on Monday, insisted that no formal application was submitted.

“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to. If it is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.

He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes a formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which is in charge of the facility and payment of required fees.

The Minister also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, but the Sports Commission.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue, and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.

Wike, during the inspection of ongoing projects, further expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, noting that key road projects would be completed by May 15.

“The contractors have assured us that road works will be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before the end of May,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that at Gaduwa, he had directed the installation of protective mesh to prevent encroachment on road corridors, while works on streetlights were progressing.

At Wassa, Wike said the administration was set to relocate informal sector operators, particularly Apo Mechanic Village Traders, to a new facility equipped with necessary infrastructure.

“This project is aimed at improving the working conditions of artisans and fulfilling long-standing promises to the informal sector,” he stated.

On reports of the windstorm that affected the roof of the Kugbo Bus Terminal, the minister said it was a natural disaster that no one had control over, explaining that only roofing sheets were affected, and the damage is already being fixed.

“The terminal did not collapse. The structure is intact. What happened was that strong winds blew off parts of the roof. Repairs are ongoing,” Wike said, noting that no lives were lost.

He attributed the steady progress of projects in the FCT to effective collaboration between the government and contractors, supported by prompt payment of contractual obligations.