The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has exposed what it describes as a desperate and brazen attempt to sabotage its National Convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja.
Despite fulfilling all contractual obligations, including full payment and execution of a binding agreement with the venue, the management of the facility has now come under intense pressure. They have formally notified the party of threats allegedly issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The ultimatum is clear and alarming: host the ADC and risk immediate revocation of the centre’s operating licence.
Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned the move in the strongest possible terms:
“This is nothing short of executive intimidation — a reckless abuse of power and a direct assault on constitutional democracy. What we are witnessing is the weaponisation of state institutions to suppress lawful political opposition.”
He further declared:
“Let it be unequivocally clear: the ADC will not be bullied, silenced, or intimidated. Our contract with the Rainbow Event Centre is valid, binding, and enforceable. Any attempt to obstruct this lawful gathering amounts to a direct attack on democratic norms and will be firmly resisted within the full ambit of the law.”
The party has therefore reaffirmed that its National Convention will proceed as scheduled at the Rainbow Event Centre.
The ADC also raised alarm over what it called a troubling pattern, noting that prior attempts to secure public venues such as the National Stadium and Eagle Square in Abuja were similarly frustrated.
“This sustained effort to deny a lawful political party access to venues — both public and private — exposes a dangerous drift towards authoritarianism,” Abdullahi added.
Calling for vigilance, the party urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community to take note:
“Nigeria does not belong to any one individual or authority. Democracy must not be reduced to the whims of those in power. ADC is rising, and Nigeria will not be subdued.”
Political observers have since described the situation as a disturbing overreach, warning that such actions, if unchecked, pose a serious threat to democratic freedoms.
