The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been forced to change the venue for its national convention after being denied access to major public facilities in Abuja, just hours before the event.
Party spokesperson Kola Ologbodiyan disclosed on Monday that the ADC was unable to secure either the Eagle Square or the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
According to Ologbodiyan, the party had formally written to the office of Nyesom Wike, seeking approval to use Eagle Square. While the request was acknowledged, no official response was received before the deadline.
He added that a separate application to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for the use of the stadium’s velodrome was also declined, without any reasons provided.
The ADC further alleged that several privately owned event centres in the Federal Capital Territory turned down its requests, citing concerns over potential repercussions from authorities.
Despite the setbacks, the party maintained that its convention would go ahead as planned in Abuja.
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A letter dated April 7, signed by Chinedu Idigo, showed that the party had applied to use Eagle Square for a non-elective convention expected to draw delegates and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
The party emphasized its readiness to comply with all security and facility guidelines, as well as meet financial obligations tied to the venue.
Following the denials, the ADC confirmed that the convention would now hold at Rainbow Event Center, which it described as a suitable and accessible alternative for attendees.
The development highlights the logistical challenges faced by political parties in securing venues for major events, even as preparations intensify ahead of key national engagements.