The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns after being denied access to major venues in Abuja for its national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), party spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan disclosed that the party had yet to secure a venue less than 24 hours before the event, despite efforts to obtain approvals from relevant authorities.
According to him, the ADC had written to the office of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), requesting the use of Eagle Square. While the letter was acknowledged, no official approval was granted.
Ologbondiyan added that the party also approached the Ministry of Sports Development for access to the velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, but the request was declined.
He further alleged that several privately owned event centres in Abuja turned down the party’s requests due to fears of possible government backlash.
Despite the challenges, the ADC maintained that its convention would proceed as planned within the Federal Capital Territory.
A letter dated April 7 and signed by Chinedu Idigo showed that the party had formally applied to use Eagle Square for what it described as a non-elective convention. The party noted that the event is expected to attract delegates, stakeholders, and observers from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
“I assure you that all necessary protocols will be strictly adhered to, including compliance with security guidelines, facility management rules, and restoration of the venue to its original condition after use,” the letter reads.
Idigo also stated that the party was prepared to meet all financial obligations required for the use of the facility.
However, the request was ultimately declined, with no official reason provided for the decision.
