ADC Secures Venue Hours to Convention Amid Abuja Dispute

ADC Secures Venue Hours to Convention Amid Abuja Dispute
Party clashed with Wike over Eagle Square access claims
Leadership crisis deepens as rival factions dispute convention process

Less than 24 hours before its national convention, the African Democratic Congress faced uncertainty over its venue in Abuja, before securing the Rainbow Event Centre late Monday for the exercise scheduled for Tuesday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the development followed a series of failed attempts to obtain approval for major public venues, highlighting internal and external pressures confronting the party ahead of a convention expected to shape its leadership and position within a broader opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

The party was embroiled in a dispute with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over access to Eagle Square. While the ADC claimed it submitted a request that was acknowledged but not approved, Wike denied receiving any formal application.

According to Kola Ologbondiyan, media aide to Senator David Mark, the party explored alternative venues, including the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, but was denied access. He added that several privately owned event centres also declined to host the convention over fears of possible government backlash.

Despite the setbacks, the party insisted the convention would proceed as scheduled, citing prior notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and Nigerians are assured that the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled,” Ologbondiyan said.

In a late announcement, the party confirmed Rainbow Event Centre as the new venue, describing it as accessible and suitable for delegates expected from across the country.

The convention comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party, with rival factions laying claim to control. The faction led by Senator David Mark is proceeding with the convention, while another bloc aligned with Dumebi Kachikwu has rejected the process.

Meanwhile, Wike dismissed allegations of political interference, stating that Eagle Square remained open to all groups that follow due process.

“We do not deny access. These events generate revenue. If they applied properly, they would be granted,” he said.

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, also expressed confidence in the party, stating that it has the capacity to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress and reposition Nigeria.