ADC Convention Will Hold Despite Last Minute Move To Revoke Agreement On Venue – Spokesperson Abdullahi

By Ayodele Oni 

As delegates from 36 states arrive Abuja for the National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Party is again facing  a fresh round of uncertainty after the Management of a proposed  venue withdrew its earlier approval for the party’s national convention.

The party had concluded arrangements to use Rainbow Event Centre as the host venue, but the facility owner reportedly rescinded the agreement late Monday, citing external pressure.

ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed the development on social media, alleging that the decision followed pressure from authorities within the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Administration.

He claimed the proprietor of the facility informed the party that he was warned that his licence could be revoked if the venue was used for the convention.

“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCT authorities that if he allows the ADC use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.

Despite the setback, he insisted the party would proceed with its convention as planned.

“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 management of the facility had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Convention Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, had said the party secured the venue after being denied access to other public facilities in Abuja.

According to him, earlier requests to use the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome were turned down by relevant authorities.

However, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, denied claims that the party applied for Eagle Square, adding that the stadium facilities are not controlled by the FCT Administration but by the National Sports Commission.

The development adds to ongoing tensions within the ADC, which is already grappling with leadership disputes and legal battles