The African Democratic Congress (ADC) was on Tuesday engulfed in a last-minute venue crisis after the proprietor of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja withdrew permission for the party to host its national convention. The development was disclosed late Monday by the party's spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said the decision came after alleged pressure from authorities in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the venue owner cited threats from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, warning that his licence could be revoked if he allowed the event to proceed.
"After paying all the fees required, setting up for ur 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," Mr Abdullahi said.
Despite the setback, he insisted the party would proceed with the convention as planned at the same venue, stressing that contractual obligations had already been fulfilled.
"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. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising," he added.
Attempts to independently verify the claims with the management of the facility were unsuccessful as of press time.
Earlier, the chairman of the convention media and publicity sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party secured the venue after being denied access to Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.
However, Mr Wike rejected the allegation, maintaining that the party never formally applied to use Eagle Square and noting that the stadium falls under the control of the National Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration.
The dispute comes amid a broader leadership crisis within the ADC following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.
INEC based its action on a March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, effectively freezing recognition of the faction led by David Mark while indicating it would engage with another faction headed by Nafiu Bala.
Both factions have rejected the electoral body’s stance, each insisting it is the legitimate leadership of the opposition party.
The Mark-led faction has also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and other national commissioners over the decision.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar condemned the alleged pressure on the event centre, describing it as an abuse of public office and a threat to democratic principles.
“The reports from the spokesperson of our great party… is a shameful and cowardly abuse of public office,” he said, warning that denying an opposition party access to a venue undermines democracy.
As the controversy unfolds, the Supreme Court is expected to hear an appeal filed by Mr Mark seeking to halt the enforcement of the appellate court ruling, even as the ADC insists its convention will go ahead.
