The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faced disruption ahead of its national convention in Abuja after the owner of Rainbow Event Centre withdrew permission to use the facility. Party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi announced the development on his X account on Monday night, attributing it to pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Abdullahi claimed the proprietor was threatened with licence revocation if he allowed the ADC to hold its event. Despite this, the party insisted it would proceed with the convention as planned, having already paid fees and signed a contract. Earlier, the FCT authorities had denied the ADC access to Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome. Kola Ologbondiyan, Chairman of the Convention Media and Publicity Sub-committee, confirmed the Rainbow Event Centre had been secured. However, Minister Wike countered that the party never applied to use Eagle Square and noted the Stadium is under the National Sports Commission, not FCT control. The ADC convention comes amid a leadership crisis, following the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision two weeks ago to derecognise the David Mark-led faction, citing a 12 March Court of Appeal ruling. INEC now recognises a faction led by Nafiu Bala. Both factions have rejected the decision, with the Mark group demanding the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and national commissioners. On the same day as the convention, the Supreme Court is set to hear a motion by David Mark seeking to stay the appellate court ruling.
Nyesom Wike's name resurfaces in yet another political tussle, this time allegedly blocking the ADC from using a private event centre in Abuja. The claim that a private facility owner was pressured by FCDA and the Minister to rescind a signed agreement raises serious questions about the reach of executive influence over private property rights in the FCT. If true, it suggests a pattern where political convenience appears to override contractual obligations and democratic space.
The ADC's struggle to secure a venue fits into a broader context of shrinking political room for opposition parties. With INEC already derecognising the David Mark-led faction following a court ruling, the inability to access public or even privately owned spaces for political gatherings signals deeper systemic hurdles. The fact that the party had to resort to a private venue after being denied Eagle Square—now contested—shows how control over physical spaces in the capital can be used as a tool of political exclusion.
Ordinary ADC members and supporters stand to lose the most, as internal divisions are compounded by external barriers to assembly. Their ability to organise, mobilise, and project relevance is directly undermined when conventions are threatened at the last minute. This affects not just party dynamics but the broader health of Nigeria's multi-party democracy.
This episode echoes past incidents where opposition parties faced logistical and administrative resistance in holding events, suggesting a recurring trend where state power subtly shapes political competition.
