The African Democratic Congress announced on Monday afternoon that its national convention will be held at the Rainbow Event Centre, Plot 1193a, Off Southern Parkway, Garki Area 8, Abuja, near the FCDA/AGIS building and the NTA Headquarters in Area 11. The information was posted on the party's coalition mobilisation wing, ADC Vanguard, via its official X account.
Earlier that day, party chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan warned that the ADC had been unable to secure any venue in the Federal Capital Territory, accusing the Tinubu administration of systematic obstruction. He said the party had formally applied to use Eagles Square through the office of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; the request was acknowledged but no permit was issued. Ologbondiyan also reported that attempts to book the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were rejected after several visits to Ministry of Sports officials.
The ADC claimed that privately owned event centres in Abuja turned down its requests out of fear of harassment. Despite the setbacks, the party maintained that the convention, scheduled for 14 April, would proceed as it had notified INEC. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare denied any bias, stating that all parties enjoy equal legal rights.
The convention comes amid an internal leadership dispute between factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following former chairman Ralph Nwosu's 2025 resignation. INEC has refused to recognise either faction pending a court ruling. Last week, opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal and Rauf Aregbesola protested at INEC headquarters, accusing the government of undermining opposition parties.
Kola Ologbondiyan's allegation of deliberate obstruction by the Tinubu government loses credibility now that the ADC secured a venue within hours, suggesting the party's narrative may be more about political posturing than actual suppression.
The episode reflects deeper fractures: the ADC is battling not only external pressure but also an internal split between David Mark and Nafiu Bala factions, a dispute that INEC has left unresolved. Coupled with recent protests by major opposition figures, the venue saga underscores a climate where opposition parties feel marginalized, even as the presidential spokesperson publicly rejects claims of bias.
For ordinary Nigerians, especially ADC supporters in the run‑up to the next election, the controversy could dampen enthusiasm and hinder grassroots mobilisation, as doubts about the party's organisational capacity surface.
The pattern of contested venues and accusations of intimidation aligns with a broader trend of heightened tension between the ruling coalition and opposition groups, raising questions about the fairness of the political playing field in the country.
