The planned national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a setback after the proprietor of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja reportedly withdrew permission for the party to use the facility, allegedly citing pressure from the Federal Capital Territory authorities.
The development was disclosed on Monday night by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement posted on his X account.
According to Abdullahi, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre informed the party that he had come under pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning that his licence could be revoked if the ADC was allowed to use the facility for its convention.
“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.
Despite the development, the ADC spokesperson insisted that the party had already formalised its agreement with the venue owner and would proceed with its convention plans.
“But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, the ADC announced that it had secured the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja as the venue for its national convention after authorities in the Federal Capital Territory declined its request to use the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.
The party had described the Abuja facility as a central and accessible venue capable of accommodating delegates and stakeholders from across the country.
However, FCT Minister, Wike, dismissed claims that the party had applied to use Eagle Square, stating that no such request was received by the FCT Administration. He also clarified that the stadium facility falls under the control of the National Sports Commission rather than the FCT authorities.
The latest controversy comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the faction led by David Mark, citing a ruling by the Court of Appeal.
As the party moves forward with its convention plans, the Supreme Court of Nigeria is expected to hear an appeal filed by David Mark seeking to halt the execution of the appellate court judgment.
ALERT 🚨
After paying all the fees required, setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his…
— Bolaji Abdullahi (@BolajiADC) April 13, 2026