A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ladan Salihu, has warned Nigerians to exercise caution when trusting FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, following his denial that the party was blocked from using Eagles Square in Abuja for its national convention. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, Salihu dismissed Wike’s claims and urged the public to verify his statements before believing them. He emphasized that political promises from Wike should not be taken at face value, advising people to “look up and see the sun” before accepting his words as truth.
Wike had earlier stated that no formal application was submitted by the ADC for the use of Eagles Square, thereby rejecting allegations that the party was denied access. However, Salihu countered that the ADC had made extensive efforts to secure the venue, reaching out to all relevant security personnel and officials associated with Eagles Square and major hotels in the Federal Capital Territory. He stressed that the party’s attempts were not limited to formal paperwork but included direct communication with stakeholders at the venue.
Salihu highlighted the historical and symbolic importance of Eagles Square, describing it as a national symbol of political cohesion and democracy. He noted that the venue was conceived under the leadership of General Ibrahim Babangida and completed during the tenure of General Abdulsalami Abubakar. It has since been used for major national events, including the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo as the first leader of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. According to Salihu, the venue has remained accessible to political parties across different administrations, regardless of political affiliation.
He expressed deep disappointment that the ADC, as the main opposition party, was now being denied the right to hold its convention at this historically significant location. Salihu called the situation a “shame of a nation,” underscoring the importance of fair access to public spaces for political activities. He argued that denying a political party the use of Eagles Square undermines democratic principles and sets a dangerous precedent for future elections and political gatherings.
The ADC’s national convention is a key event in its calendar, aimed at consolidating party structures and preparing for upcoming elections. The inability to hold it at Eagles Square, a venue traditionally used for such events, has sparked concerns about political fairness and government neutrality. Salihu’s comments have drawn attention to broader issues of access to public infrastructure for opposition parties in Nigeria.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the incident may fuel debates about political equity and the role of federal authorities in facilitating or restricting party activities. The ADC’s experience at Eagles Square could become a case study in how public spaces are managed during election cycles.
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