The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that it is facing difficulties securing venues in Abuja for its national convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, following what it described as repeated rejections by government authorities and private operators.
A chieftain of the party and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbodiyan, made the allegation in a statement shared 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 for the event, despite receiving formal correspondence.
Ologbodiyan also said attempts to secure the MKO Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful, alleging that the Ministry of Sports turned down the request to use the velodrome facility within the complex.
According to him, the party had submitted a letter through its National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, dated April 7, 2026, which was acknowledged by the FCTA but did not receive any approval or formal response thereafter.
He further alleged that efforts to secure private event centres within Abuja had also been frustrated, claiming that some facility operators were reluctant to engage with the party due to fears of possible government interference or reprisals.
“Twenty-four hours to the ADC National Convention, the party is yet to be issued a venue,” Ologbodiyan said, describing the situation as worrying for the opposition party.
He maintained that the ADC had complied with all procedural requirements in its applications but was yet to receive favourable responses from the 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.
The ADC is expected to proceed with preparations even as concerns persist within the party over logistical arrangements ahead of the high-profile gathering.
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