The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said over 3,000 delegates are expected to attend its national convention scheduled for April 14 in Abuja, as the party continues preparations despite difficulties securing preferred venues.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview with Punch, accusing authorities of frustrating its attempts to use Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome for the event.
Abdullahi said the party was expecting thousands of delegates across the country to participate in the convention.
“The number of delegates expected for the national convention is more than 3,000. So, we are expecting over 3,000 delegates for the ADC national convention,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he confirmed that the convention would now be held at Rainbow Hotel in Abuja.
“Our party leaders, supporters, and members at large shall gather for a free, fair, and credible national convention. The convention will be held at the Rainbow Hotel, Abuja, on April 14,” he added.
The ADC spokesperson alleged that authorities had ignored the party’s request to use Eagle Square, a venue traditionally used by political parties for major conventions.
“We submitted letters requesting the use of Eagle Square. They have not responded to our letter till this moment. They simply ignore us,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the party later approached the management of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, where the Peoples Democratic Party previously held its convention, but was informed of a scheduled cycling championship at the venue.
“They were cooperating with us until suddenly they told us that there is a cycling championship that is going to happen at the venue,” he said.
Abdullahi described the development as part of what he termed an “assault on opposition leaders and their political parties.”
“Is one party bigger than the other party? Yes, we are an opposition political party. But does Eagle Square belong to the APC?” he asked.
Ward, State Congresses Peaceful – ADC
In a separate statement, Abdullahi said the party’s ward and state congresses were conducted peacefully across the country.
He congratulated newly elected state executives and chairmen, saying the exercise demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
“These elections, carried out in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution, reflect the ADC’s enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law,” he said.
He added that the inauguration of the newly elected officials would hold on May 12, 2026, or at a later date to be communicated by the National Working Committee.
Party Releases Convention Committee List
Meanwhile, the ADC has released updated lists of its convention committee and subcommittees as part of preparations for the national convention.
The updated list, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, named former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke as chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, with former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal serving as deputy.
The party has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis since 2025 following the adoption of the ADC as a coalition platform and the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark.
The dispute arose over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu and claims by his deputy, Nafiu Bala Gombe, to the position of acting chairman.
The crisis has triggered multiple legal battles and raised concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently removed key ADC leaders, including Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records, further deepening the dispute.
