The African Democratic Congress (ADC) went ahead with its national convention on Tuesday, pushing through internal leadership tensions and last-minute venue challenges linked to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s derecognition of a faction within the party.
Plans to use Eagle Square in Abuja fell through, while access to the Rainbow Event Centre was also reportedly withdrawn shortly before the event.
Undeterred, the party relocated to an alternative venue, where an estimated 3,000 delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) assembled, many dressed in vibrant colours for the occasion.
Security personnel conducted strict screening at the entrance as accreditation got underway, overseen by a sub-committee led by Austin Akobundu.
Speaking on the process, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, explained that delegate allocation was carefully structured based on the size of each state to maintain balance and fairness.
However, he raised concerns about the hurdles encountered in securing a venue, claiming that several private operators declined to host the convention due to fears of external influence.
According to him, multiple hotels and event centres were contacted, but many reportedly withdrew once they realised the organisers were from the ADC.
Idigo further criticised what he described as a restrictive political environment, warning that such pressures could discourage business participation and weaken democratic engagement.
He added that the convention would wrap up the party’s congress cycle, ratify a revised constitution, and lay the groundwork for its upcoming primaries.
Atiku warns of alleged plot to disrupt convention
Meanwhile, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the federal government of attempting to frustrate an opposition gathering, in what he described as a troubling slide towards authoritarianism.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, Atiku criticised what he claimed were moves by government agents to pressure the Rainbow Event Centre into withdrawing its venue from the ongoing national convention.
He alleged that authorities threatened to revoke the centre’s operating licence, despite the ADC meeting all contractual and financial requirements for the event.
He described the situation as an abuse of power, arguing that using regulatory tools to obstruct a lawful political assembly undermines democratic norms.
“Forcing a private business to deny a duly registered opposition party access to a venue is not governance,” he said.
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“It reflects a government that has run out of ideas and now resorts to intimidation.”
He linked the alleged move to rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, suggesting it reflects unease within the ruling establishment over the ADC’s growing political activity.
He maintained that the party had done nothing wrong beyond organising itself to participate in the democratic process, warning that such interference could weaken citizens’ rights to freely assemble and choose their leaders.
Atiku also called on Nigeria’s democratic partners and the international community to pay close attention to developments, framing the issue as part of a wider concern about political freedoms.
Despite the reported pressure, he insisted that the convention would proceed as planned.
