By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh alarms over attempts to disrupt its planned national convention in Abuja on Monday through threats of property revocation on any event owner that allows them to use its facility.
There was an earlier unconfirmed allegation that the Federal Capital Territory administration denied them the use of Eagle Square after it had officially communicated its plans to the venue management.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, via a series of posts on his X handle on Monday night, disclosed that the management of the Rainbow Event Centre, venue of the convention, had come under pressure from authorities to deny the party access to the facility.
According to Abdullahi, the venue owner allegedly informed the party that officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), acting under the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, threatened to revoke his licence if he allowed the ADC to use the premises.
“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure… that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi wrote.
He noted that the party had already entered into a valid contract with the venue management but insisted that the convention would proceed as planned.
“We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny,” he added.
The development comes amid a protracted leadership tussle within the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s structure following recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the controversial delisting of some party leaders.
The internal crisis has triggered parallel meetings, protests, and legal disputes, further complicating the party’s efforts to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi’s allegation also feeds into a broader narrative by opposition figures who have repeatedly warned of attempts to weaken rival parties and tilt Nigeria toward a one-party state dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While authorities are yet to officially respond to the claims, political observers say the unfolding situation underscores growing tensions within the opposition space and raises fresh concerns about political tolerance and the conduct of democratic activities in the country.
Despite the uncertainty, the ADC maintained that it would proceed with its convention, describing the situation as a test of its resolve to resist what it termed “creeping authoritarianism.”
Some Nigerians has reacted to this new wave of attempts to ensure that the ADC does not find its way into the ballot paper in the 2027 general election.
An X handle user, Sarki Oba @SARKIOBA reacting to the situation wrote, “This goes beyond a venue issue it touches on the principle of whether lawful political activities can proceed without pressure.
“That space must be protected”.
Another X user, identified as @ELLUP76 also wrote, “This exactly the bold statement I had wanted to hear, if that one soldier could stop @GovWike from accessing a private property and wike could not do shii till now, what more of heavy political party like ADC with 90% support of Nigeria youths. An eyes for an eyes”.
Mazi Paul Ibeh, Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a chieftain of ADC equally wrote, “This tyranny has an expiry date. Abacha lives, but only for a short while”.
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