Dino Melaye has responded to criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over venue challenges encountered during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention in Abuja.
Speaking in an interview on AIT, Melaye maintained that the party followed due process in its attempt to secure a venue, particularly the popular Eagle Square. He explained that his previous role as chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory gave him firsthand knowledge of how such facilities are allocated and managed.
According to Melaye, the ADC had used Eagle Square for past events and was well familiar with the application procedures, even before Nyesom Wike assumed office as Minister of the FCT. He stated that both their request for Eagle Square and an alternative request for the velodrome were denied.
He further alleged that after securing a private venue, the party encountered additional obstacles. Melaye claimed that the venue owner was pressured and threatened with the loss of operational permits if the event proceeded, forcing a last-minute withdrawal despite prior arrangements.
Describing the situation as unfair and politically motivated, Melaye insisted that the ADC was deliberately obstructed despite complying with established procedures. He argued that the party’s experience and familiarity with Abuja’s venue booking system make the accusations against it misleading.
In his words: “I’ve been chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT and a member of the conventions committee year after year. Even before Wike came to Abuja, I understood the procedure for using Eagle Square.”