The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been forced into a last-minute standoff after the owner of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja withdrew approval for the party to host its national convention at the venue.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that the decision came after the venue proprietor allegedly faced intense pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to Abdullahi, the owner was warned that his licence could be revoked if he allowed the ADC to proceed with the event, despite the party having already fulfilled all financial obligations and finalized arrangements for the convention.
“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 licence will be revoked.
“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 said.
