A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention planning committee, Dino Melaye, has alleged that there were attempts to prevent party members from accessing the venue of its planned national convention in Abuja, despite the party reportedly paying in full for the facility.
Melaye, who also serves as chairman of the protocol committee, said organisers were nearly locked out of the premises and asked to leave even after a formal agreement had been signed with the venue managers.
He made the claim on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the party’s convention arrangements and venue selection.
According to him, preparations were disrupted on Monday when there were efforts to shut the gates and stop activities linked to the event.
However, Melaye said the planning committee resisted the move, insisting that the party had a valid contract and had already completed payment for the venue.
“I have that information as a member of the planning committee and the chairman of the protocol committee, and not only we were even asked to leave yesterday, they wanted to shut the gates.
“But we insisted, and said we are not going to leave because we have a contract duly signed with this place, and we paid fully,” he said.
The ADC has continued to raise concerns over alleged attempts to frustrate preparations for its national convention, particularly regarding access to a suitable venue in Abuja.
