Amanze Chinonye
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over its inability to secure a venue for its national convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, alleging that repeated efforts to obtain approval for public and private facilities in Abuja have so far been unsuccessful, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle, party chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan said the party was still without an approved venue less than 24 hours to the convention, despite formal engagements with relevant authorities.
He disclosed that the party had written to the Office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, requesting permission to use Eagle Square for the convention. According to him, the letter was acknowledged but no approval has been granted.
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Ologbondiyan also said the party made several visits to officials of the Ministry of Sports seeking access to facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, including the Velodrome, but the requests were turned down.
He further alleged that private event centres in Abuja have begun rejecting requests from the party, citing fears of possible government backlash or harassment for hosting opposition political activities.
“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.
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Despite the reported challenges, the ADC insisted that its national convention will go ahead as scheduled, maintaining that all statutory notifications had already been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC, the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled,” Ologbondiyan stated.
Meanwhile, the party’s formal correspondence to the FCT Minister shows that the ADC had earlier applied for the use of Eagle Square for the convention.
In the letter dated April 7, 2026, and signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, the ADC described the planned convention as a non-elective gathering expected to bring together delegates, stakeholders, and observers from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The letter stated that Eagle Square was selected due to its capacity, accessibility, and security suitability for an event of such scale. It also assured authorities that the party would comply with all security protocols, facility regulations, and financial obligations, including the restoration of the venue after use.
The correspondence further requested formal approval and any additional guidance necessary to facilitate the arrangement.
The venue uncertainty comes amid ongoing internal tensions within the party, with rival factions linked to former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala still contesting control of the party following the resignation of former national chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to formally recognise either faction, citing ongoing legal disputes, a development that has further complicated preparations for the convention.
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The Presidency has previously denied allegations of political interference, maintaining that all political parties are granted equal access to public facilities in line with existing regulations.
The ADC has, however, maintained that its convention will proceed as planned, even as uncertainty persists over the final venue less than few hours to the scheduled event.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
