By Oluwakemi Kindness
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has declared that the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will proceed as scheduled in Abuja, despite alleged attempts to disrupt the event.
Speaking to journalists at the Rainbow Event Centre on Tuesday, Melaye insisted that the party would not vacate the venue, citing a valid and fully paid contract.
“We refused to leave because we have a duly signed agreement. We paid in full, and the convention will hold here,” he said.
The development follows claims by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who alleged that the venue’s management had come under pressure to cancel the booking.
In a statement shared on X, Abdullahi accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), of threatening to revoke the facility’s licence if it hosted the convention.
Describing the situation as political intimidation, Abdullahi said the party would not be deterred.
“After fulfilling all financial obligations and making arrangements for our convention, the venue owner informed us of pressure from authorities. But we will go ahead as planned,” he stated, warning against what he termed “creeping tyranny.”
Earlier, former ADC National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, also raised concerns over challenges in securing alternative venues, including Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
However, Wike has denied the allegations, maintaining that no formal request was submitted for the use of public facilities.
“We do not deny access. Such events generate revenue for the government, but due process must be followed,” the minister said, adding that he was unaware of any restriction targeting the ADC.
Despite the controversy, the ADC convention is expected to go ahead on Tuesday, setting the stage for a politically charged gathering in the nation’s capital.
