The African Democratic Congress has alleged that the owner of its planned convention venue is under pressure to deny the party access, despite a valid agreement and full payment for the facility, with the party accusing the Federal Capital Development Authority and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of threatening the owner with licence revocation . In a statement issued on the eve of its convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, the party said the management of Rainbow Event Centre informed it that it had come under “intense pressure” from the FCDA and the FCT Minister to cancel the booking . The ADC insisted that it has a binding contractual agreement with the venue and will go ahead with its convention as planned, declaring: “We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant” . The party had earlier announced the new venue on its official X handle on Monday, stating that the Rainbow Event Centre offers a “central and accessible location for delegates and stakeholders expected from across the country” .
The allegations come after the ADC had earlier expressed frustration over its inability to secure Eagle Square or the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, including the Velodrome, for its convention . Kola Ologbondiyan, media aide to embattled ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, had said the party was yet to secure a venue less than 24 hours to the event, noting that the party had formally approached the FCT Minister’s office seeking approval to use Eagle Square but received no response . Wike denied the claims on Monday, saying no formal application had been received and stressing that Eagle Square remains open to all groups provided they follow due process and pay the required fees . “Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to,” Wike said .
The ADC’s convention comes at a critical moment for the party, which is also awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday that could determine whether David Mark is restored as a recognised leader of the ADC or whether the party’s leadership crisis continues. The party has been in leadership limbo since INEC removed the names of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official records following a Court of Appeal decision. The Supreme Court hearing coincides with the convention date, adding another layer of uncertainty to the party’s efforts to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC has positioned itself as the flagship opposition platform, attracting defections from heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi.
