The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has again raised alarm over alleged attempts to frustrate its national convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 in Abuja.
Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the party in a statement on Monday night claimed that the management of Rainbow Event Centre is under pressure from authorities to withdraw its venue.
He said the event centre owner was threatened with licence revocation if the facility is used for the convention.
“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.
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“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,” Abdullahi wrote.
However, despite the development, the ADC has insisted that its convention would proceed as planned at the venue.
The latest allegation adds to an ongoing dispute between the ADC and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike over access to major public venues in Abuja for the party’s convention.
The party had earlier claimed it was denied permission to use the iconic Eagle Square, a major national event ground, as well as facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
It also alleged that private venues, including the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, declined its booking requests amid fears of possible government backlash.
According to reports, the party eventually secured the Rainbow Event Centre as a last-minute alternative after struggling to get a venue less than 24 hours to the event.
Responding to the claims, Wike dismissed the accusations, insisting that no formal application was made through the appropriate channels for the use of Eagle Square.
The minister challenged the party to provide proof of any official request, maintaining that the venue remains accessible to all groups that follow due process.
Officials also clarified that Eagle Square is managed by the Abuja Investments Company Limited, not directly by the minister’s office.
Reacting to the incident, former Vice President and Chieftain of the ADC, Atiku Abubakar described the actions as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic principles.
