THE planned national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into uncertainty just hours before its scheduled commencement, following allegations by the party that there are moves to deny it access to its venue despite a valid agreement and full payment.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on the eve of the convention, the ADC alleged that the owner of the proposed venue had come under intense pressure to withdraw from the arrangement.
According to the party, the management of Rainbow Event Centre informed it that it was being pressured by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to cancel the booking.
The ADC further alleged that the venue owner was threatened with the revocation of his operational licence if he allowed the party to proceed with its convention at the facility.
“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 development, the ADC insisted that it has a binding contractual agreement with the venue and maintained that the event would go ahead as planned.
“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 party described the situation as an attempt to suppress democratic expression and warned against what it termed “creeping tyranny” within the political space.
“We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant,” the statement read, in a direct jab at the FCT administration.
Reaffirming its determination, the ADC declared that its political movement remains resolute despite the alleged pressure.
“ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” the party concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the FCDA nor the office of the FCT Minister had issued an official response to the allegations.
However, the ADC had earlier informed the public of its unsuccessful attempts to secure alternative venues, including the Moshood Abiola Stadium and Eagle Square in Abuja.