ADC Convention Crisis: Party Struggles to Secure Abuja Venue, Alleges Government Interference

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with a significant hurdle just hours before its scheduled national convention, as the party has yet to secure a venue in Abuja.

The development has triggered fresh anxiety within party ranks, with the ADC alleging calculated interference by the government.

Politics Nigeria reported that the revelation emerged on Monday through party chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan, who detailed the challenges via a post on his X account. He outlined multiple unsuccessful efforts to secure both public and private venues across the Federal Capital Territory.

According to information obtained by PulseNets, the party had earlier written to the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, requesting approval to use the Eagle Square. While the letter was acknowledged, no formal approval has been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

PulseNets learnt that the party also approached officials at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, seeking access to the Velodrome facility. However, despite several visits, the request was ultimately declined.

“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,” the statement added.

He further alleged that the situation has escalated, with privately owned event centres in Abuja now rejecting the party’s requests. PulseNets gathered that many operators are reluctant to host the opposition event over fears of possible repercussions.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite the mounting uncertainty, the party insisted that the convention will proceed as scheduled. It reaffirmed its commitment to the date already communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The unfolding controversy adds to earlier allegations by the ADC that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to stifle opposition activities. The party has consistently raised concerns over restricted access to public infrastructure and alleged political pressure.

The crisis is also developing alongside internal leadership tensions within the party. PulseNets reported that rival blocs linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala remain locked in a struggle for control following the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has so far declined to recognise either faction, citing ongoing legal disputes, a development that has further complicated preparations for the convention.

In recent days, leading opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola, protested at INEC headquarters, accusing the federal government of undermining opposition parties.

However, the Presidency, through its spokesman Sunday Dare, dismissed the claims, maintaining that all political parties are guaranteed equal rights and access under the law.