Pat Stevens/
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh allegations of political pressure ahead of its national convention in Abuja, claiming that its newly secured venue is under threat from authorities in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a late-night post on X, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the owner of the Rainbow Event Centre had come under pressure from officials of 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… that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi wrote.
Despite the alleged threat, he insisted that the party would proceed with its convention as planned.
“But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned… We will not bow to this creeping tyranny,” he added.
The development marks the latest twist in an ongoing dispute over the ADC’s ability to secure a venue in Abuja for its convention scheduled for April 14.
Earlier, the party had alleged that it was denied access to public facilities, including the Eagle Square, despite submitting a formal request and paying the necessary fees.
Party officials also claimed that efforts to use the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful, with access to the velodrome reportedly refused.
In addition, several privately owned event centres were said to have declined hosting the event over fears of possible repercussions.
However, Wike has consistently denied the allegations, stating that no political party would be denied access to public facilities if due process was followed.
He also maintained that he was not aware of any valid application by the ADC for the use of Eagle Square and described the claims as unfounded.
Amid the controversy, the ADC eventually announced the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, Abuja, as its convention venue, even as uncertainty persisted less than 24 hours to the event.
The party’s convention comes at a critical time, as it seeks to consolidate its position as a leading opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC has recently attracted high-profile political figures as part of a broader coalition aimed at challenging the ruling party.
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