Activities have commenced at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention in Abuja, with thousands of delegates arriving at the Rainbow Event Centre, Garki, for accreditation amid lingering controversy over the venue.
An estimated 3,000 delegates drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were present as the exercise began under tight security, with officials screening participants before granting access into the facility.
The accreditation process is being coordinated by a committee led by Austin Akobundu, as party officials described the turnout as a reflection of growing grassroots support and organisational strength.
ADC National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, said the distribution of delegates across states was designed to ensure equitable participation, with allocations based on state size.
However, Idigo drew attention to what he termed significant hurdles encountered in securing a venue for the convention, alleging that multiple locations declined to host the party.
He disclosed that requests to use Eagle Square and the Velodrome at the National Stadium were unsuccessful, while several private venues allegedly backed out after discovering the event was organised by the ADC.
“Many of them declined once they realised it was ADC, citing concerns over possible consequences,” he said.
According to him, the Rainbow Event Centre itself had initially attempted to withdraw from the arrangement but later proceeded after the party insisted on honouring its contractual agreement.
The controversy surrounding the venue had earlier been raised by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who alleged that the centre came under pressure to cancel the booking.
He claimed that associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), threatened to revoke the facility’s licence if it hosted the convention.
Despite the alleged pressure, Abdullahi said the party would not back down, insisting that all payments had been made and contractual terms fulfilled.
“We will not bow to this creeping tyranny,” he declared.
There has been no official reaction from the FCT Administration or the FCDA regarding the allegations.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the issue, condemning what he described as attempts to obstruct opposition activities.
In a statement shared on X, Atiku argued that preventing a duly registered political party from using a legally secured venue undermines democratic principles and civic freedoms.
He maintained that the ADC had complied with all requirements and accused authorities of targeting the party due to its rising political profile ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the tensions, proceedings at the venue continued without disruption, with party officials reiterating that the convention would go ahead as planned.
The ADC said the gathering would finalise its internal congresses, ratify key constitutional provisions and lay the groundwork for its upcoming primaries, as it positions itself for the next electoral cycle.
Leave a Reply