ADC Secures New Venue for National Convention

By Babatunji Wusu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially secured a new location for its highly anticipated national convention, scheduled to take place in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14. In a recent update shared via its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the party announced that the gathering will now be held at the Rainbow Event Center. The party leadership noted that this venue was chosen for its accessibility and central location, ensuring that delegates and stakeholders traveling from across Nigeria can participate with ease.

The announcement comes after a period of significant uncertainty regarding where the event would be hosted. Kola Ologbondiyan, a media aide to the embattled National Chairman, Senator David Mark, had previously raised an alarm just 24 hours before the convention. According to Ologbondiyan, the party had faced immense difficulty in securing a government facility. He claimed that formal requests were sent to the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to utilize Eagle Square, but the party allegedly received no response despite an official acknowledgment.

Further efforts to use the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium also proved unsuccessful, leading to accusations of politically motivated access denial. However, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has since dismissed these claims as “unfounded” attempts to gain public sympathy. Speaking on Monday, Wike maintained that his office had not received a formal application from the party in question. He emphasized that Eagle Square remains open to any group that follows due process and fulfills the necessary financial requirements.

Despite the back-and-forth between the party and the FCT administration, the ADC remains focused on the significance of the event. The party maintains that holding the convention in the nation’s capital underscores its commitment to national coordination and political growth. With the venue now confirmed, participants are expected to converge for a “well-coordinated” session aimed at shaping the party’s future.

Do you believe the difficulty in securing public venues for political conventions is a sign of administrative friction or purely a matter of due process?

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