ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has suffered a major setback ahead of its national convention after the management of Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja, withdrew permission for the party to use the facility.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed the development late Monday, blaming alleged pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“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 setback, he insisted the party would proceed with the convention as planned.
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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. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” he added.
The party had earlier announced the venue after failing to secure Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, both in Abuja.
While the ADC claimed it was denied access to the facilities, Wike dismissed the allegation, maintaining that no formal application was submitted for the use of Eagle Square.
He also clarified that the stadium is under the control of the National Sports Commission, not the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
The latest development comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party, following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw recognition of the faction led by David Mark, based on a Court of Appeal ruling.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Nigeria is expected to hear an appeal filed by Mark seeking to halt the execution of the judgment.
Despite the mounting challenges, the party has maintained that its convention will go ahead as scheduled.