The African Democratic Congress has confirmed a venue for its highly anticipated national convention in Abuja, hours after raising concerns over alleged attempts to frustrate the event.
The development was disclosed on Monday by the party’s coalition mobilization wing, ADC Vanguard, via its official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the update, the convention will now take place at the Rainbow Event Center, located in Garki Area 8, Abuja.
This announcement comes shortly after a party chieftain alleged that efforts to secure a venue in the Federal Capital Territory had been repeatedly blocked. Kola Ologbondiyan had earlier claimed that multiple applications to both public and private venues were unsuccessful.
He revealed that the party formally applied to use Eagles Square through the office of Nyesom Wike, but received no approval despite acknowledgment of the request. Attempts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were also reportedly declined.
Ologbondiyan further alleged that several privately owned event centres turned down the party’s requests due to fears of intimidation or reprisals from authorities. Despite these challenges, the ADC maintained that its convention would proceed as scheduled on April 14, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission had been duly notified.
However, the presidency has denied the allegations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare insisted that all political parties enjoy equal rights under the law.
The situation is further complicated by internal divisions within the party, involving factions linked to key figures such as David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025. INEC has yet to recognise either faction, pending a court ruling.
The controversy adds to growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition space, as political actors continue to raise concerns about fairness and access ahead of upcoming political activities.