ADC alleges denial of Abuja venues ahead of Tuesday national convention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that it has been unable to secure approved venues in Abuja for its national convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

A chieftain of the party and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbodiyan, raised the allegation in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday.

He claimed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) declined to approve the party’s request to use Eagle Square, Abuja, for the convention.

Ologbodiyan also said efforts to secure the MKO Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful, as the Ministry of Sports reportedly refused permission to use the velodrome facility.

According to him, the party had written formally to the FCTA through its National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, in a letter dated April 7, 2026, which was acknowledged by the minister’s office.

However, he alleged that no approval or formal response was issued despite the acknowledgment of the request.

He further stated that alternative arrangements at the national stadium also failed, leaving the party without a government-approved venue.

Ologbodiyan added that attempts to book private event centres in Abuja were also unsuccessful, alleging that some operators declined due to fears of possible government pressure or reprisals.

“24 hours to the ADC National Convention, the party is yet to be issued a venue,” he said, describing the situation as frustrating.

He maintained that the party followed due process in its applications but had not received any favourable response from relevant authorities.

Despite the alleged setbacks, Ologbodiyan insisted that the convention would proceed as planned.

“All ADC members and supporters are assured that, as contained in the notice sent to INEC, the national convention will hold in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026,” he said.