Despite the ongoing leadership dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ADC has confirmed it will proceed with its convention as scheduled for tomorrow at an event centre in Abuja.
In an update via its official X handle, the party announced it has secured the Rainbow Event Center in Abuja as the venue for the convention.
The party leadership stated that the venue was chosen for its accessibility and central location, ensuring that delegates arriving from across the country can participate in the gathering without further hindrance.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted allegations that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was blocked from using Eagle Square for its national convention.
Wike maintained that no formal application was ever submitted to the relevant regulatory bodies.
The controversy began when ADC chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan alleged that the party’s efforts to secure public and private venues in the capital had been systematically frustrated.
Ologbondiyan claimed the party formally applied to the Minister’s office but received no approval despite an official acknowledgment of the request.
He further noted that the Ministry of Sports had denied them use of the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, while private venues allegedly declined out of fear of government reprisal.
Addressing the issue during an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike dismissed the party’s narrative as a strategy to garner public pity.
He clarified that the FCT Minister does not personally approve venue requests, as such facilities are managed by specific agencies.
“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development. If it is the African Democratic Congress, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike stated.
The Minister emphasized that Eagle Square is managed by Abuja Investments Company Limited and any party seeking to use it must follow established protocols, which include a formal application and the payment of prescribed fees.
He also pointed out that the National Stadium falls under the jurisdiction of the Sports Commission rather than the FCT Administration.