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ADC Convention Crisis Deepens as Abuja Venue Pulls Out Amid Pressure Claims
ADC says its convention venue was cancelled in Abuja amid claims of pressure from FCTA officials. Party insists event will go ahead.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after the proprietor of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja reportedly withdrew permission for the party to use the facility for its national convention.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the development on Monday night via X.
He claimed the venue owner cited pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning that the centre’s licence could be revoked if it hosted the party.
“After paying all the fees required… 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 said.
Despite the withdrawal, Abdullahi insisted the convention would proceed as scheduled.
“We have already signed the contract with him… We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned… We will not bow to this creeping tyranny… ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” he added.
The party had earlier selected Rainbow Event Centre after failing to secure Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, both in Abuja.
While ADC described the venue as central and suitable for national delegates, Minister Wike denied any application was received for Eagle Square, and clarified that the stadium is not under FCTA control.
The controversy adds to ongoing tensions within the party, which has been facing leadership disputes following the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s withdrawal of recognition from the David Mark-led faction, based on a Court of Appeal judgment.
The matter is now heading to the Supreme Court, where an appeal by David Mark seeks to halt enforcement of the ruling.
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