Peter Obi Assures ADC Convention Will Proceed Amid Concerns Over Democratic Space

By Babatunji Wusu

Former Anambra State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi, has dismissed fears regarding the possible cancellation of the party’s national convention. Speaking during an interview on Arise News Channel on Monday night, Obi gave a firm assurance that the event would proceed as planned in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This comes after a period of high tension and logistical uncertainty that threatened to derail the gathering.

“Definitely ADC convention will hold tomorrow (Tuesday), I assure you, in Abuja here,” Obi stated confidently. However, while he cleared the air on the event’s status, he did not hold back in his critique of the current political atmosphere in Nigeria. He characterized the recent difficulties in securing a venue as a symptom of a shrinking democratic space, suggesting that the “integrity of a democracy” is at stake when opposition parties face hurdles in accessing basic public facilities.

Obi’s remarks highlighted a broader concern regarding the freedom of association enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. He argued that the struggle to secure a location—initially targeting Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium—reflected a lack of institutional respect for opposition parties. “The government doesn’t want other parties to exist,” he claimed, warning that the country’s democratic credentials suffer when the main opposition is restricted from carrying out its essential functions.

The situation was eventually resolved when the ADC confirmed it had secured the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki Area 8, Abuja. This followed a sharp rebuttal from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who insisted that his office never received a formal application for Eagle Square. Wike maintained that access to government venues is granted solely based on due process and that no political foul play was involved. Despite the administrative back-and-forth, the ADC is now set to move forward with its convention in what promises to be a pivotal moment for the party.

Do you believe the challenges in securing government-owned venues for opposition events are purely administrative or a subtle form of political pressure?

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