Abuja, Nigeria — The planned national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into uncertainty after the proprietor of the Rainbow Event Centre reportedly withdrew permission for the party to use the facility, citing external pressure.
A senior party figure, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the venue owner blamed pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the decision.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
Despite the development, he insisted the party would proceed with its plans. “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,” he added.
The latest setback comes after authorities in the Federal Capital Territory reportedly declined the party’s earlier requests to use the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome for the event.
The ADC had earlier described the Rainbow Event Centre as a central and accessible venue capable of accommodating delegates and stakeholders from across the country.
Party officials say efforts are ongoing to ensure the convention holds as scheduled, even as tensions rise over what the party alleges is undue interference.