National Convention: Venue Owner Alleges Pressure, Threat of Licence Revocation by Nyesom Wike — ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the venue for its national convention in Abuja has come under pressure from authorities, with a warning that its licence could be revoked if the event goes ahead.

In a statement posted on his verified account on X, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the owner of the Rainbow Event Center raised the concern after the party had completed payments and finalised arrangements.

“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the party had already signed a contract with the venue and would proceed with the convention as planned.

“But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre,” he stated.

Abdullahi also criticised what he described as undue interference, saying, “We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant.”

The ADC had earlier announced the relocation of its convention to the Rainbow Event Center after failing to secure access to other public venues in the capital.