ADC in Fresh Battle as Abuja Event Centre Backs Out of Convention Venue Deal

ADC in Fresh Battle as Abuja Event Centre Backs Out of Convention Venue Deal

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a fresh round of uncertainty after the management of a proposed Abuja venue withdrew approval for the party’s national convention scheduled to hold today.

The party had concluded arrangements to use Rainbow Event Centre as the host venue, but the facility owner reportedly rescinded the agreement late Monday, citing external pressure.

ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed the development on social media, alleging that the decision followed pressure from authorities within the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

He claimed the proprietor of the facility informed the party that he was warned that his licence could be revoked if the venue was used for the convention.

“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCT authorities that if he allows the ADC use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.

Despite the setback, he insisted the party would proceed with its convention as planned.

“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,” he added.

The management of the facility had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Convention Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, had said the party secured the venue after being denied access to other public facilities in Abuja.

According to him, earlier requests to use the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome were turned down by relevant authorities.

However, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, denied claims that the party applied for Eagle Square, adding that the stadium facilities are not controlled by the FCT Administration but by the National Sports Commission.

The development adds to ongoing tensions within the ADC, which is already grappling with leadership disputes and legal battles.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recently withdrawn recognition from the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, citing a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.

INEC said it would instead relate with another faction led by Nafiu Bala, a decision both sides have rejected, each claiming legitimacy.

As the dispute continues, the Mark-led faction has also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and national commissioners.

Meanwhile, the political crisis is expected to face further legal scrutiny as the Supreme Court of Nigeria is scheduled to hear an appeal seeking to halt the enforcement of the appellate court ruling same day of the cinventiy.

Despite the mounting challenges, ADC leaders insist the convention will proceed, setting up a tense day for the opposition party as it battles both internal divisions and logistical setbacks.