The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to hold its convention today as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre, despite threats to revoke the owner’s licence.
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ALSO READ: ADC dares INEC, holds convention today
ALSO READ: ADC dares INEC, holds convention today
In a post on his X handle on Monday night, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the owner of the centre informed the party that he had come under pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
He said the party would not bow to tyranny.
“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention tomorrow (today), the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked.
“But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre.
“We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant.
“ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” the post read.
The ADC settled for the Rainbow Event Centre, located at Plot 1193A, Off Southern Parkway, Garki Area 8, Abuja, as the venue of its convention after failing to secure the Eagle Square, Abuja, from the authorities.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, seeking a permit to use Eagle Square. The letter, it was gathered, was acknowledged, but no response was received.
The letter, titled “Application for the Use of Eagle Square, Abuja, for ADC National Convention,” dated April 7, 2026, was addressed to the FCT minister.
The letter, signed by the ADC National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, read: “I write to respectfully apply for the use of Eagle Square, Abuja, for the purpose of hosting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention scheduled to hold on the 14th of April 2026.
“The ADC National Convention is a non-elective convention that will bring together party delegates, stakeholders, and observers from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The choice of Eagle Square is informed by its suitability in terms of capacity, accessibility, and security arrangements required for an event of this magnitude.
“I assure you that all necessary protocols will be strictly adhered to, including compliance with security guidelines, facility management rules, and restoration of the venue to its original condition after use.
“I am also prepared to meet all financial obligations and requirements as stipulated by the facility management.
“I kindly request your approval for the use of the facility on the stated date and any additional guidance necessary to facilitate a smooth arrangement.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
Thereafter, the ADC team was said to have also paid several visits to officials of the Ministry of Sports at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, seeking permission to use the Velodrome, but were equally refused approval.
It was further learnt that privately owned event centres in Abuja also turned down the ADC’s requests for fear of harassment in various forms from the government.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday dismissed claims that any political party was denied the use of Eagle Square, insisting that no formal application was submitted.
“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to. If it is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.
He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes a formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which is in charge of the facility, and payment of the required fees.
The minister also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, but the Sports Commission.
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.
