The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the owner of its planned convention venue is under pressure to deny the party access, despite a valid agreement and full payment.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the party made the claim in a statement issued on the eve of its National Convention.
According to the ADC, the management of the Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja, informed the party that it was facing mounting pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to cancel the booking.
The party further alleged that the venue owner was threatened with the revocation of his operational licence if he allowed the event to proceed.
“After paying all the required fees and putting finishing touches to preparations for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he is under pressure from the FCDA and the FCT Minister,” the statement read.
Despite the development, the party maintained that it would go ahead with the convention as scheduled, citing an existing contractual agreement with the facility.
“But we have already signed a contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre,” the statement added.
The ADC described the situation as an attempt to suppress democratic expression, warning against what it termed “creeping tyranny” in the political space.
“We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant,” the party said, in an apparent swipe at the FCT administration.
Reaffirming its stance, the party declared, “ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising.”
However, neither the FCDA nor the office of the FCT Minister had responded to the fresh allegations as of the time of filing this report.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the development comes amid earlier reports that the party was unable to secure the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and Eagle Square, both in Abuja, for the convention.
The ADC had previously informed the public of the failed attempts, raising concerns over access to public facilities for political activities.
