The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed as “baseless” claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the party was denied the use of Eagle Square for its National Convention.
Responding to the allegations on Monday following an inspection of various infrastructure projects in the capital, Mr Wike asserted that no formal application to utilise the facility had been submitted to the relevant authorities.
The controversy arose after the Chairman of the ADC Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the convention, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, raised concerns on Monday regarding the party’s inability to secure a venue for its event, scheduled for Tuesday. With less than 24 hours to the convention, the party claimed it was yet to receive approval for a location.
However, the Minister countered these assertions, suggesting they were a strategic ploy. “Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development,” Mr Wike stated. “If it is the African Democratic Congress, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy.”
The Minister clarified that the use of Eagle Square is governed by a standard administrative procedure, which necessitates a formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Ltd the entity tasked with managing the facility and the subsequent payment of prescribed fees.
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted,” the Minister maintained. He further noted that other political entities, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have consistently complied with these protocols when utilising the Square or the National Stadium’s Velodrome.
Beyond the political dispute, the Minister expressed significant satisfaction with the pace of ongoing engineering works across the FCT. He assured residents that key road projects are on track for completion by 15th May 2026.
“The contractors have assured us that road projects will be completed by mid-May, while the installation of streetlights will be finalised before the month concludes,” he said. At Gaduwa, the Minister directed the installation of protective mesh to safeguard road corridors against encroachment.
In a major urban planning update, Mr Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration is set to relocate artisans and spare part dealers currently operating at the Apo Mechanic Village on the Outer Southern Expressway.
The traders will be moved to a newly developed facility in Wassa, which is equipped with modern infrastructure. According to the Minister, this move is designed to improve the working conditions of the informal sector while reclaiming critical road corridors. He attributed the FCT’s steady developmental progress to the prompt settlement of contractual obligations and effective collaboration with construction firms.
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