The planned national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a setback after the proprietor of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja withdrew permission for the party to use the facility.
The development was disclosed on Monday night by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, via his X account.
According to Abdullahi, the venue owner cited pressure from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the reason for the decision.
“After paying all the fees required, setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCTA and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the party had already formalised its agreement with the venue but would proceed with its plans regardless of the development.
“But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, the party had announced that it secured the Rainbow Event Centre as the venue for its convention after authorities in the Federal Capital Territory declined its request to use Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.
The ADC described the Abuja venue as central and accessible, noting that it would accommodate delegates and stakeholders from across the country.
However, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, denied claims that the party applied to use Eagle Square, stating that no such request was received.
He also clarified that the stadium is under the control of the National Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration.
The latest development comes amid a leadership crisis within the ADC, following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the David Mark-led faction based on a Court of Appeal ruling.
As the party moves ahead with its convention plans, the Supreme Court of Nigeria is expected to hear an appeal filed by David Mark seeking to halt the execution of the appellate court judgment.
