The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged political interference in its preparations for its national convention, claiming that the management of its chosen venue has come under pressure to deny the party access.
Spokesman for the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the owner of Rainbow Event Centre informed the party that officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), acting on the directive of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, threatened to revoke the facility’s licence if it hosted the event.
According to Abdullahi, the party had fulfilled all financial obligations and concluded arrangements ahead of the convention when the development was communicated.
“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre informed us that he has come under pressure that if he allows the ADC to use his facility, his licence will be revoked,” he said.
Despite the alleged threat, Abdullahi insisted that the party would proceed with the convention as scheduled, citing a binding agreement with the venue.
“We have already signed a contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre,” he added.
The ADC spokesman condemned what he described as attempts to intimidate the party, vowing that it would not succumb to pressure.
“We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” he said.