The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it described as a last-minute attempt to frustrate its national convention, alleging that the owner of its booked venue is under pressure to deny the party access despite a valid agreement and full payment.
In a statement issued on the eve of the convention, the party disclosed that the management of Rainbow Event Centre informed it of mounting pressure allegedly coming from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to cancel the event.
According to the ADC, the venue owner was reportedly threatened with the revocation of his operational licence if he allows the convention to go ahead as planned.
“After paying all the required fees and putting finishing touches to preparations for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he is under pressure from the FCDA and the FCT Minister,” the party said.
Despite the alleged pressure, the party maintained that it has a binding agreement with the venue and would not be deterred from proceeding.
“But we have already signed a contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre,” the statement added.
The ADC condemned the development, describing it as an attempt to suppress democratic expression and shrink political space in the country.
“We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its determination, the party insisted that its movement remains resolute despite the challenges.
“ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” the party concluded.
The development comes amid earlier difficulties faced by the ADC in securing alternative venues, including the Moshood Abiola Stadium and Eagle Square in Abuja, both of which were unavailable for the event.
As of press time, neither the FCDA nor the office of the FCT Minister had issued an official response to the allegations.
