ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Stall Convention, Venue Requests Denied

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of attempting to frustrate its planned national convention in Abuja, alleging that authorities have denied the party access to key public venues.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed in an interview on Friday that the party’s application to use the Eagle Square had received no response, while a request to utilise the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome was declined.

“We applied for the Eagle Square, but there has been no response. We also requested the Velodrome, but were told it is booked for a cycling championship,” Abdullahi said.

He, however, declined to reveal the alternative venue being considered by the party amid the uncertainty.

The development comes at a time of heightened internal tensions within the ADC, which is grappling with a leadership crisis alongside a standoff with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Despite the challenges, a prominent party figure, Ralph Nwosu, has insisted that the ADC will proceed with its congresses and national convention as scheduled.

Speaking on a television programme, The Morning Brief, Nwosu maintained that the party had complied with all statutory requirements.

“We submitted our programme to INEC in accordance with the law, and it was duly acknowledged.

Whether INEC attends or not is entirely their prerogative; we have not breached any regulation,” he stated.

Nwosu reaffirmed that the convention, slated for the 14th, would go ahead as planned.

The party’s internal crisis stems from a leadership tussle between factions loyal to former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following Nwosu’s resignation as chairman of the National Working Committee in July 2025.

INEC has declined to recognise either faction, citing a pending court ruling, further complicating the situation.

Tensions escalated earlier in the week when leading opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The group accused the Federal Government of attempting to undermine opposition parties and steer Nigeria towards a one-party state.

The Presidency has, however, dismissed the allegations. Presidential spokesman, Sunday Dare, reiterated that there is no plan to sideline opposition parties, stressing that all registered political parties enjoy equal rights under the law.

Notwithstanding the mounting challenges, ADC leaders remain resolute, vowing to press ahead with the convention setting the stage for a possible political showdown in the days ahead.

Source: Sahara Reporters