ADC Convention Moves to Rainbow Event Centre After Venue Denials, Wike Denies Blocking Opposition

The African Democratic Congress will hold its national convention at the National Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, Abuja, after two larger venues turned the party away despite what sources describe as early and proper arrangements.

The opposition party first approached Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotels, which declined. It then sought access to Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, but said it received no official response from the authorities who control those venues.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has pushed back hard on claims that his office blocked the ADC from Eagle Square, calling the allegations baseless and a ploy for public sympathy.

Wike’s side of the story

Speaking to reporters during a project inspection on Monday, Wike said no formal application had come from the party. He pointed out that Eagle Square is managed by the Abuja Investments Company Limited, not the FCT Minister’s office, and any group wanting the venue must apply through that agency.

“We do not deny access; these events actually generate revenue for the government,” Wike said. “Who denied them? Such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy.”

He also questioned the timing. The ADC wrote its letter on April 7, just seven days before the convention. INEC requires 21 days’ notice for a national convention, with the date, venue, and time clearly stated.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process,” Wike said.

Convention under a cloud

The venue row is only part of a bigger crisis facing the ADC. INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan has de-recognised the David Mark leadership, citing an Appeal Court ruling that ordered status quo ante-bellum. The party has taken its case to the Supreme Court, where a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba has scheduled a hearing for April 22.

ADC spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan said several private event centres in Abuja also refused to host the party, reportedly out of fear of government reprisal. The party has formally requested police protection from the Inspector General of Police, the Director of State Services, and the Comptroller of Civil Defence Corps.

The Rainbow Event Centre, sitting next to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Garki, hosted the ADC’s last National Executive Committee meeting. Party sources said the venue was being quietly prepared, with plans to move in fully early on Tuesday morning.

Sources: THISDAYLIVE, Vanguard, Channels Television