[PHOTOS] ADC holds national convention in Abuja as delegates arrive amid venue dispute claims

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention is underway in Abuja, with accreditation beginning at the Rainbow Event Centre, Garki, as about 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria gathered for the exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), dressed in colourful attire, arrived at the venue early Tuesday, where security operatives conducted strict checks before allowing entry.

The accreditation exercise is being supervised by the party’s accreditation sub-committee chaired by Austin Akobundu, with officials describing the turnout as evidence of strong mobilisation and internal cohesion within the party.

ADC National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, said delegate distribution was based on state population size to ensure fairness and equitable representation during the convention.

However, Idigo raised concerns over what he described as challenges in securing a venue for the exercise, alleging that the party was repeatedly turned down by several major facilities.

He said the ADC had approached Eagle Square and the Velodrome at the National Stadium but received no approval, while several hotels and event centres allegedly refused bookings after learning the identity of the party involved.

“Once they realised it was ADC, they declined, citing fear of possible repercussions,” he claimed.

Idigo also alleged that the Rainbow Event Centre initially considered withdrawing from its agreement but eventually proceeded after the party insisted on its contractual rights following payment.

He described the situation as troubling for political participation and private business independence in the country.

Business Hallmark had reported that ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi had alleged that the venue faced external pressure to cancel the party’s booking for the convention.

He claimed that individuals linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) threatened to revoke the venue’s licence if it hosted the opposition party.

Abdullahi maintained that the ADC had fully paid for the venue and would proceed with its convention despite the alleged interference.

“We will hold our convention as planned… We will not bow to this creeping tyranny,” he said.

The FCT Administration and FCDA have not issued any official response to the allegations.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the reported attempt to disrupt the event, describing it as an abuse of authority and a threat to democratic freedoms.

In a statement on X, he said the ADC had complied with all legal and financial requirements for the venue and accused authorities of attempting to stifle opposition activity.

He argued that the situation reflected growing intolerance in Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite the controversy, party officials and delegates insisted the convention would proceed as scheduled, with proceedings continuing under heavy security presence.

The ADC said the convention would conclude its congress processes, ratify key constitutional matters, and prepare the ground for forthcoming party primaries, stressing that it remained committed to its political programme.