The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the owner of the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja is facing threats from authorities over plans to host the party’s national convention, intensifying concerns over possible interference in the event.
In a statement shared via X by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi on Monday midnight, the ADC claimed that after fulfilling all financial obligations and setting up for the convention, the venue owner received warnings purportedly linked to officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
“After paying all the fees required, setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi stated.
Despite the alleged threat, the party insisted it would proceed with its scheduled gathering. “But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow event centre,” he added.
Abdullahi further criticised what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies, stating, “We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising.”
The allegation comes amid earlier reports that the ADC had struggled to secure a venue for its convention in the Federal Capital Territory. According to party officials, several attempts to book both public and private facilities were unsuccessful.
A chieftain of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, had earlier disclosed that the party formally applied to use Eagles Square through the office of the FCT Minister but did not receive approval.
“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” Ologbondiyan stated.
He added that efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were also unsuccessful.
“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” he said.
The party further alleged that some privately owned event centres in Abuja declined its requests due to fears of possible repercussions from authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Federal Capital Territory Administration or the office of the FCT Minister regarding the allegations.
About the Author
