ADC ‘denied’ use of Eagle Square, MKO Abiola Stadium for national convention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it was denied access to both Eagle Square

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it was denied access to both Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for its national convention scheduled to hold in Abuja on April 14, 2026.

In an X post on Monday, Kola Ologbodiyan said the party was yet to secure a venue less than 24 hours to the event, despite efforts to obtain approval from relevant authorities.

According to him, the party 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.

Ologbodiyan added that the party also approached officials of the ministry of sports development for the use of 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 over fears of possible government backlash.

Despite the challenges, the party insisted that the convention would proceed as scheduled in the federal capital territory.

A letter dated April 7 and signed by Chinedu Idigo showed that the party had formally applied for the use of Eagle Square for what it described as a non-elective convention.

Idigo said the event is expected to attract delegates, stakeholders, and observers from across the 36 states and the FCT, noting that Eagle Square was selected for its capacity, accessibility, and security arrangements.

“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.

He also stated that the party was ready to meet all financial obligations required for the use of the facility.

However, the request was declined, although reasons for the decision were not disclosed.

Subsequently, the ADC announced that the convention would now be held at Rainbow Event Center in Abuja, describing it as a central and accessible alternative venue for participants expected from across the country.

Credit: Theophilus Adedokun, The Cable