Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that he prevented the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by David Mark, from accessing Eagle Square for its national convention.
In an X post on Monday, Kola Ologbodiyan, chairman of the convention’s media and publicity sub-committee, said the party was yet to secure a venue less than 24 hours before the event, despite efforts to obtain approval from relevant authorities.
He said the party had written to the office of the FCT minister seeking permission to use Eagle Square, adding that while the letter was acknowledged, no official response had been received.
But speaking after inspecting projects in Abuja, Wike said he was unaware of any request from the opposition party to use the facility.
“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.
The minister said 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.
“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 said.
The minister said the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, which the ADC also claimed it was denied access to, is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) but the Sports Commission.
The ADC later announced a new venue for the national convention, billed for Tuesday.
