By Sabiu Abdullahi
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed that it has yet to obtain a venue in Abuja less than 24 hours before its planned national convention, raising concerns over alleged obstacles facing the party.
A senior member of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known on Monday through a post on his X account. He outlined what he described as repeated setbacks, including refusals from both government-controlled and privately owned facilities.
Ologbondiyan explained that the party formally requested the use of Eagles Square and submitted an application to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that although the letter was acknowledged, approval has not 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.
He also said efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful despite several engagements with officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.
“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.
The party further alleged that private event centres in Abuja have declined its requests due to fear of possible harassment or reprisals.
“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 these challenges, the ADC maintained that its national convention will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice 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 development follows earlier claims by the party that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is attempting to suppress opposition activities. The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier alleged that access to Eagles Square was ignored, while the Velodrome was denied on the grounds of a scheduled sporting event.
The venue challenge comes at a time when the party is dealing with internal leadership disputes involving factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala. This followed the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has not recognised either faction, pending a court decision, which has added to the party’s difficulties in organising the convention.
Prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola have also raised concerns. They recently staged a protest at the INEC headquarters, where they accused the federal government of undermining opposition parties.
However, the Presidency has rejected the allegations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated that all political parties are entitled to equal rights under the law.
With time running out and no confirmed venue, the ADC’s resolve to proceed with its convention points to possible tensions between the party and relevant authorities.
