2027 presidential hopeful and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Federal Government of attempting to frustrate his party’s national convention by targeting its venue.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, April 14, Atiku described reports that authorities planned to revoke the licence of the Rainbow Event Centre as “a shameful and cowardly abuse of public office.”
He alleged that the move was aimed at preventing the ADC from holding its convention, scheduled for the same day.
“Coercing a private business owner to deny a lawfully registered opposition party the use of a venue is not governance. It is not politics,” Atiku said.
He maintained that the ADC had met all legal requirements for the event, including payment of fees and signing of contracts, stressing that the party had broken no law.
“Our only offence is that we are organising, we are growing, and we are preparing to retire this failed government at the ballot box in 2027,” he added.
The former Vice President warned that such actions could undermine democracy, describing them as “petty, vindictive acts” against opposition parties and citizens’ rights.
He also called on the international community to take note of developments in Nigeria, insisting that the party would not be intimidated.
“The convention will hold. The ADC will rise. And Nigeria will rise with it,” he stated.
ADC Confirms Convention Venue
In a related development, the African Democratic Congress confirmed that it had secured a venue for its national convention in Abuja.
In a post on its official X handle, the party announced that the event would take place at the Rainbow Event Centre, describing it as a central and accessible location for delegates across the country.
The party noted that hosting the convention in Abuja reflects the national importance of the gathering and would ensure smooth participation.
Earlier Venue Challenges
Before confirming the venue, the ADC had raised concerns over difficulties in securing a location for the convention.
Kola Ologbondiyan, media aide to Senator David Mark, said the party had yet to receive approval to use the Eagle Square, despite submitting a request to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
He added that efforts to use facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, including the Velodrome, were unsuccessful.
However, Wike dismissed claims of political interference, describing them as unfounded and an attempt to gain public sympathy.
According to him, no formal application had been received, stressing that Eagle Square remains open to all groups that follow due process and pay the required fees.
“We do not deny access; these events actually generate revenue for the government,” Wike said.
