ADC relocates national convention in Abuja after Venue drama

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a new venue for its national convention in Abuja, just hours after claiming it was denied access to two major public locations in the capital.

The convention, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, will now take place at the Rainbow Event Centre, marking a last-minute shift that underscores growing logistical and political tensions around the party’s gathering.

Earlier on Monday, the opposition party disclosed that it had been unable to secure access to both Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, two of the most commonly used venues for large political events in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the party, a formal request had been submitted to the office of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, seeking approval to use Eagle Square. While the request was acknowledged, the party said it received no official response before announcing the venue change.

A convention overshadowed by internal tensions and access concerns

The abrupt relocation adds another layer of uncertainty to what is already a critical moment for the ADC, as the party prepares for a convention expected to shape its leadership structure and political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a follow-up statement, the party framed the new venue as a practical alternative, describing it as accessible and suitable for delegates expected from across the country.

Still, the circumstances surrounding the change raise questions about access to public infrastructure for opposition parties, especially in a political environment where internal disputes and external pressures often intersect.

The convention itself comes at a time when the ADC is grappling with leadership disagreements and ongoing legal battles, including a court case challenging its current leadership structure.

Also read: Court shifts ruling in ADC leadership dispute involving Mark, Aregbesola

Despite the disruptions, the party says the choice of Abuja remains deliberate, positioning the convention as a nationally significant gathering that will bring together stakeholders from across Nigeria.

With the event now set to proceed at a new location, attention shifts to whether the convention can deliver clarity, or deepen existing divisions within the party.