The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to provide proof that it formally applied to use Eagle Square in Abuja for its national convention, dismissing the party’s allegations that it was denied access to the venue.
Wike made the remarks on Monday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja. His response follows claims by the ADC that authorities deliberately blocked its plans to use major public venues in the nation’s capital.
According to the minister, no official request was submitted to his office or any relevant government agency for the use of Eagle Square, a popular location for national events and political gatherings.
“These claims are unfounded. If any party insists it was denied access, let them provide evidence of a formal application submitted and acknowledged by the relevant authorities,” Wike said.
The dispute began after the ADC accused FCT authorities of frustrating its preparations for its national convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14. The party alleged that its requests to use both Eagle Square and the Velodrome at the National Stadium in Abuja were ignored.
Speaking earlier, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that the lack of response from authorities forced the party to look for an alternative venue.
According to him, the ADC eventually decided to move its convention to Rainbow Event Centre after failing to secure approval for the initial venues.
However, Wike strongly rejected the party’s claims, describing them as baseless and an attempt to gain public sympathy.
“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to,” the minister said.
“If it is the African Democratic Congress, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy.”
Wike insisted that the FCT administration does not deny any organization access to public facilities, provided they follow the established procedures, including submitting formal applications and paying the required fees.
He cited examples of how other political parties have successfully used the same venue in the past.
“For example, when the Peoples Democratic Party held its convention, it followed due process and paid the necessary fees. The same applied to the All Progressives Congress,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are Nigeria’s two major political parties, both of which have previously held large events at Eagle Square.
Wike added that allowing such events is beneficial to the government, as it generates revenue and promotes the use of public facilities.
“We do not deny any group access to the venue as long as they follow the established procedures. In fact, such events generate revenue for the government,” he said.
The disagreement between the FCT administration and the ADC highlights ongoing tensions between government authorities and opposition parties, especially over access to public spaces for political activities.
Political analysts say such disputes are not uncommon in Nigeria, where opposition parties often accuse those in power of limiting their activities, while government officials insist that rules and procedures must be followed.
The situation has raised concerns about fairness and equal access to public facilities, particularly as political activities begin to increase ahead of future elections.
Beyond the political dispute, Wike also addressed another issue that had attracted public attention — reports that the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja had collapsed.
The minister dismissed the reports as false, explaining that the structure remained intact and that the incident involved only minor damage caused by strong winds.
According to him, the roofing sheets of the terminal were affected due to the force of the wind, especially given the elevated position of the building.
“The terminal did not collapse. The structure is intact. What happened was that strong winds blew off parts of the roof. Repairs are ongoing,” he said.
He also reassured residents that no lives were lost in the incident and urged the public to disregard misleading reports.
In addition, Wike provided updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects within the FCT, expressing satisfaction with the pace of work.
He disclosed that major road construction projects in Abuja are expected to be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations are scheduled for completion by the end of May.
“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 noted that improving infrastructure remains a key priority for the FCT administration, as it seeks to enhance transportation, safety, and overall development in the capital city.
He also highlighted progress at the Wassa artisan relocation site, a long-standing project aimed at providing a permanent location for mechanics and other informal workers operating in Abuja.
According to Wike, previous administrations had promised to relocate artisans from congested areas, but the current government is now taking concrete steps to fulfil that commitment.
“Successive administrations have promised this relocation, but we are finally fulfilling that commitment,” he said.
The project is being handled by CGC Nigeria Limited, and Wike credited the steady progress to effective coordination between the contractors and government agencies.
As the disagreement over the ADC convention continues, attention will remain on whether the party will provide evidence of its application, as requested by the minister, or maintain its position that it was unfairly treated.
For now, both sides appear to be standing firm, with the ADC insisting it was denied access, and the FCT administration maintaining that no formal request was ever made.
The outcome of the dispute may have broader implications for how political parties access public venues in the future, especially as Nigeria prepares for another round of political activities in the coming years.