April 13, (THEWILL) — On Monday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, dismissed allegations that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied access to Eagle Square for its national convention, insisting that no formal application was submitted and describing the claim as misleading.
Wike, who spoke to journalists during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, strongly rejected the narrative of exclusion, questioning the basis of the allegation and stressing that due process, not discretion, governs access to federal public venues.
“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to”, Wike said, responding directly to claims that the ADC had been blocked from using the facility.
The controversy follows remarks by former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, who alleged that the ADC was still without a venue less than 24 hours to its national convention, despite submitting a request for Eagle Square, which he said was acknowledged but left unanswered.
Ologbondiyan further suggested that the situation reflected administrative bottlenecks in securing public facilities for political events, raising concerns about fairness and access.
But Wike insisted that the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not received any formal application for the venue, stressing that the process for securing Eagle Square is clearly defined and non-negotiable.
According to him, all requests must pass through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which manages bookings, approvals, and associated payments for the facility.
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited”, the Minister stated, adding that claims of denial were therefore unfounded.
He further argued that previous political gatherings by major parties were only possible after strict compliance with established procedures.
“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 also clarified that alternative venues such as the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome are not under the jurisdiction of the FCT Administration but fall under federal sports authorities, making approvals subject to inter-agency coordination.
Beyond the political dispute, the Minister highlighted progress on ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital, expressing satisfaction with delivery timelines and contractor performance. He disclosed that major road projects across Abuja are expected to be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before 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”, Wike said.
At Gaduwa, he said he had directed the installation of protective mesh along road corridors to prevent encroachment and safeguard infrastructure integrity, while noting steady progress on streetlight installation works.
At Wassa, Wike announced plans to relocate informal sector operators, particularly traders from the Apo Mechanic Village axis, to a newly developed facility designed to improve working conditions and streamline economic activities.
“This project is aimed at improving the working conditions of artisans and fulfilling long-standing promises to the informal sector”, he said.
Addressing the windstorm damage at the Kugbo Bus Terminal, the Minister described the incident as a natural occurrence, clarifying that only roofing sheets were affected and that the main structure remained intact.
“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, adding that no casualties were recorded.
Wike attributed the steady pace of infrastructure delivery in the FCT to improved coordination between contractors and government agencies, supported by timely payment of obligations.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering functional infrastructure and ensuring Abuja’s continued transformation as a modern capital city.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
