ADC Convention in Jeopardy Over Alleged Threats from Wike and FCDA
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarms over the abrupt cancellation of its National Convention booking at the Rainbow Event Centre, citing potential political interference as a key factor. According to the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the venue management withdrew the reservation following alleged pressure from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Allegations of Undue Pressure and Licence Threats
In a late Monday post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Abdullahi detailed the situation, stating that the event centre owner informed the ADC of threats to revoke the facility's operating licence if it hosted the convention. "After fulfilling all financial obligations and concluding arrangements for our convention tomorrow, the owner of the Rainbow Event Centre informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, that his licence would be revoked if he allows the ADC to use his facility," he explained.
This development has sparked concerns about possible attempts to undermine political activities, with Abdullahi emphasizing that the party had already executed a valid and binding contract with the venue management. The cancellation, he argued, represents a form of creeping tyranny that the ADC refuses to accept.
ADC's Defiant Stance and Plans to Proceed
Despite the reported cancellation, Abdullahi asserted that the ADC remains committed to holding its National Convention as scheduled at the Rainbow Event Centre. He reiterated that all necessary fees had been paid and preparations were in place, making the contract legally enforceable. "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," he wrote in his social media post.
The party's determination highlights a broader struggle against perceived political intimidation, with the incident drawing attention to issues of freedom of assembly and fair play in Nigeria's democratic processes. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring for further developments and potential responses from the FCT administration.
