The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a new venue for its national convention scheduled to hold in Abuja today, April 14.
Earlier yesterday, the ADC said it was denied access to both Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for its convention.
The opposition party said it had written to the office of Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, seeking permission to use Eagle Square, but although the letter was acknowledged, no official response had been received, the claim Wike dismissed as untrue.
Wike, who spoke yesterday in Abuja during project inspection tour, described claims of politically motivated access denial to Eagle Square as “unfounded” and described them as “attempts to gain public sympathy.”
According to him, no formal application had been received from any of the parties raising the alarm.
He stressed that Eagle Square remains open to all groups so long as they follow due process and pay the required fees.
“We do not deny access; these events actually generate revenue for the government.
“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, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.
But in another statement, the ADC said the national convention will take place at the Rainbow event center in Abuja.
The party said the event center will provide a central, accessible, and fitting venue for delegates and stakeholders expected from across the country.
”The choice of Abuja underscores the national significance of the gathering and sets the stage for a well-coordinated convention in a vibrant hub that is easily reachable for participants from all parts of Nigeria,” the statement added.