Wike denies denying ADC Eagle Square

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied the use of Eagle Square, insisting that no formal application was ever submitted to the appropriate authorities.

Earlier, ADC chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan claimed that multiple attempts to obtain both official and private venues for the party’s national convention had been unsuccessful. He alleged that the party had formally applied to use Eagle Square through the office of the FCT Minister but received no approval despite the acknowledgment of the request.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory Minister for a permit to use the Eagle Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” Ologbondiyan stated. He further disclosed that efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were also rebuffed by Ministry of Sports officials.

The party also alleged that privately owned event centers in Abuja declined their requests due to fears of intimidation or reprisals from authorities.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, Wike denied the allegations. “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,” the Minister 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, the body in charge of the facility, and the payment of required fees.

The Minister also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is under the jurisdiction of the Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration.

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

Despite the venue challenges and an ongoing dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ADC insisted on Sunday that it plans to proceed with its national convention on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.