More trouble for ADC as convention suffers another setback

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has encountered another hurdle ahead of its planned national convention, following the withdrawal of approval by the management of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed the development on Monday night.

Abdullahi explained that the proprietor of the facility attributed the decision to alleged pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“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 FCDA and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.

Despite the setback, he maintained that the party would go ahead with its convention as scheduled, noting that a formal agreement had already been reached with the venue.

“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 in the day, the ADC had announced Rainbow Event Centre as its chosen venue after its requests to use Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome were not approved by authorities in the Federal Capital Territory.

The party had described the location as centrally positioned and suitable for hosting delegates and stakeholders from across the country.

However, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed claims that the party applied to use Eagle Square, insisting that no such request was received. He also noted that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium falls under the jurisdiction of the National Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration.

“These claims are unfounded. If any party insists it was denied access, let them provide evidence of a formal application submitted and acknowledged by the relevant authorities,” Wike said.

The development comes against the backdrop of an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to withdraw recognition of the faction led by David Mark, in line with a Court of Appeal ruling.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is expected to hear an appeal filed by Mark, who is seeking to stop the enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment as the party continues preparations for its convention.