Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he refused the African Democratic Congress, ADC, access to the Eagle Square for its national convention.
Recall that the chairman of the ADC’s media and publicity sub-committee for the convention, Kola Ologbondiyan, had earlier today alleged that the ADC was yet to secure a venue for its national convention, scheduled to hold in less than 24 hours.
Ologbondiyan, in a post on X his official X handle wrote that, “24 hours to the @ADCNig National Convention, the Nigerian-aligned political party is yet to be issued a venue.”
The allegation quickly spread across social media, triggering concerns whether the FCT Administration were deliberately withholding approval to frustrate the opposition ahead of its convention.
But Wike, while fielding questions from journalists after inspecting several projects in Abuja, insisted that no political party had applied for the use of Eagle Square, and therefore none could claim to have been denied access.
“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, then I must say this, such claims are often attempts to gain public sympathy.
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to my office or any relevant authority for the use of Eagle Square. The process is straightforward. Anyone who wishes to use Eagle Square must apply through the appropriate channel, specifically, the National Sports Commission, and make the required payment.
“For example, when the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held its convention, it followed due process and paid the necessary fees. The same applies to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“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. Therefore, these claims are unfounded.”
Speaking on the inspection tour, Wike said the administration was on track to deliver key infrastructure within weeks, with firm commitments from contractors.
“Specifically, they have confirmed that the road works will be completed by May 15, while the installation of streetlights will be finalized by the end of May,” he said.
At Gaduwa, he said he directed the installation of protective mesh along the corridor to prevent encroachment by traders, adding that the streetlight installation there would also be completed before the end of May.
The minister also visited Wassa, where the administration is developing a relocation hub for informal sector operators, especially artisans and mechanics who have long awaited government intervention.
“Now, we are here in Wassa, which is focused on the informal sector. Successive administrations have promised to relocate informal artisans, particularly mechanics, from their current locations.
“I am pleased that this administration, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is fulfilling that commitment.
“This new site will provide mechanics with the necessary infrastructure to operate effectively. The contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, has assured us that the project will be completed by the end of May. We are now working on modalities to facilitate the relocation of these informal sector operators to the new facility.”
On reports suggesting that the Kugbo Bus Terminal had collapsed, Wike dismissed them as inaccurate, stating that the incident involved roofing damage caused by a severe windstorm.
“The terminal did not collapse. That information is incorrect. What happened was that a very strong windstorm blew off parts of the roof. The terminal is located on elevated terrain in Kugbo making it more exposed to extreme weather conditions.
“The force of the wind removed the roofing sheets, but the structural integrity of the building remains intact. There was no structural failure. Work is already ongoing to reinstall the roofing sheets. There is no basis for sanctioning the contractor, as this was a natural occurrence.”
