Heavy Security as ADC Holds Convention in Abuja

DSS and police secured ADC convention venue in Abuja
Delegates and journalists underwent strict security screening
Melaye insisted convention will hold despite disruption attempts

Operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force were deployed to the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja on Tuesday as the African Democratic Congress held its national convention.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that security personnel conducted thorough checks on delegates before granting access to the venue, while patrol vehicles were stationed at strategic points around the facility. Journalists were also subjected to strict screening as part of efforts to maintain order and ensure safety during the exercise.

About 3,000 delegates were expected to participate in the convention, which is set to elect members of the party’s National Working Committee to manage its affairs for the next four years.

The heavy security presence followed earlier reports of challenges surrounding the venue and alleged attempts to disrupt the event.

Speaking on the development, a member of the convention planning committee, Dino Melaye, said no force would prevent the party from holding its convention.

Melaye, who spoke during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television, said the party had met all contractual obligations for the use of the venue.

According to him, there were attempts to stop the event, including efforts to shut the gates of the facility and force organisers to vacate the premises.

“I have that information as a member of the planning committee and the chairman of the protocol committee, and not only we were even asked to leave yesterday, they wanted to shut the gates.

“But we insisted and said we are not going to leave because we have a contract duly signed with this place, and we paid fully,” he said.

Melaye added that the party has receipts and signed agreements confirming that the venue was properly secured.

“We have receipt of payments. We have duly signed contracts. The most important thing is that, at the end of the day, we are here and hold our convention here.

“Nobody will stop us. After a contract, a proper contract, with the owners of this place, and after payment and receipt issued, no battalion would have moved us away from here today,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, stating that the ADC is positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.