Less than 24 hours to the scheduled National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reports indicate that all is not well as the coalition party is yet to secure a venue in Abuja.
The development has sparked fresh tension, with the party accusing the government of deliberate interference.
In a post on his X on Monday, a chieftain of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, while revealing the challenges being encountered regarding the situation, said there have been repeated failed attempts to secure both public and private venues in the Federal Capital Territory.
Disclosing that ADC had earlier written to the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, seeking approval to use the Eagles Square, Ologbondiyan pointed out that the request was acknowledged, but no approval has been granted so far.
“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” the former PDP spokesperson stated.
Lamenting further, he made public that the party also approached officials at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the use of the Velodrome but has not succeeded despite several visits.
“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.
The ADC Chieftain also alleged that privately owned event centres in Abuja are now declining requests from the party, allegedly for fear of backlash from the Authorities.
“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he further alleged.
In a show of courage, Ologbondiyan insisted that the convention will still go ahead as planned, enjoining members and supporters to remain committed to the scheduled date.
“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan made it clear.
The latest situation in addition to claims by the party that the administration of Bola Tinubu is attempting to suppress opposition activities has raised more concerns over alleged suppression of dissent.
Recall, rival factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala have continued to battle for control following the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its latest position so far declined to recognise either faction, citing ongoing legal proceedings, leading to protests at INEC headquarters by both factions.
Meanwhile, the Presidency through its spokesperson, Sunday Dare has distanced itself from the allegation, declaring equality for all political parties and interest .
