ADC Convention: Abuja Event Centre Denies Wike Licence Threat Allegation
Abuja — The management of De Rainbow Event Centre has firmly rejected claims that it faced threats of licence revocation from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over its role in hosting the African Democratic Congress convention.
This clarification was issued on Thursday in Abuja following days of public controversy surrounding the venue used for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention held on April 14, PulseNets learnt.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Director of the centre, Mrs Martina K. Yusuf, dismissed the allegation, describing it as false and misleading, PulseNets reported.
She said, “We wish to categorically state that De Rainbow Event Marquee did not receive any threat of license revocation from the Minister of the FCT or from any other person or government institution.
“These reports were not authorised by us and, to the best of our knowledge, are untrue. They appear to have been circulated without verification.
“Members of the public and the media are therefore urged to disregard the allegation in its entirety and only rely on verified information.”
Yusuf further explained that the clarification became necessary after concerns were raised by clients who had already secured bookings at the facility. PulseNets learnt that several customers expressed uncertainty over whether their scheduled events would proceed.
She stated, “This clarification has become necessary following enquiries from clients with existing bookings who are concerned about their scheduled events.
“We confirm that De Rainbow Event Marquee remains open for business and all confirmed bookings remain valid. Providing our clients with a secure and controlled environment is our top priority.
“We are grateful for everyone’s understanding and the trust they have placed in us.”
The development follows earlier claims by the ADC leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark, who alleged that the venue was subjected to pressure to cancel its agreement ahead of the convention, PulseNets learnt.
In a statement shared online, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that the management of the event centre informed them of alleged threats. He further alleged that officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority, alongside the FCT Minister, warned of possible consequences if the event was hosted, according to information obtained by PulseNets.
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Abdullahi maintained that the venue risked losing its operational licence but insisted that the party would not withdraw. He added that the ADC fulfilled all financial obligations and had a binding agreement with the facility before the alleged pressure emerged, PulseNets reported.
Despite the conflicting claims, the convention proceeded as scheduled in Abuja.
