The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over alleged attempts to disrupt its national convention in Abuja, despite securing and paying for a private venue.
In a statement issued on the eve of the event, the party said the management of Rainbow Event Centre informed it of mounting pressure to cancel the booking. According to the ADC, the pressure was allegedly coming from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the office of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The party claimed the venue owner was warned that his operational licence could be revoked if the convention was allowed to proceed.
“After paying all the required fees and putting finishing touches to preparations for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he is under pressure from the FCDA and the FCT Minister,” the statement read.
Despite the development, the ADC insisted it has a valid and binding agreement with the venue.
“But we have already signed a contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre,” the party added.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, condemning the alleged move and vowing that the convention would proceed as scheduled.
In a statement shared via his official X account, Atiku accused the federal government of attempting to revoke the venue’s operating licence over its decision to host the opposition party.
“The reports from the spokesperson of our great party, which exposes the plans of the government and its agents to revoke the licence of Rainbow Event Centre for the singular offence of hosting the African Democratic Congress convention slated for today, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, is a shameful and cowardly abuse of public office,” he said.
He maintained that the party had fulfilled all legal and financial requirements.
“The ADC has paid every fee. The ADC has signed every contract. The ADC has broken no law,” he added.
Atiku further described the situation as part of a broader pattern of political suppression, warning of its implications for democracy.
“This is how democracies are strangled, not in a single dramatic blow, but in a thousand petty, vindictive acts against opposition parties, against free assembly, and against the sacred right of citizens to choose their own leaders,” he said.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny,” he declared.
The ADC had earlier faced difficulties securing public venues, including Eagle Square and Moshood Abiola National Stadium, both of which reportedly declined its requests. The party also claimed that several private venues rejected its approach amid fears of government pressure.
Despite the setbacks, the ADC reiterated its commitment to proceed with the convention, signalling defiance amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
