No fewer than 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria have gathered at the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, Abuja, for the ongoing national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a major political event for the party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that delegates, dressed in colourful traditional and modern attire, were drawn from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, reflecting what party officials described as unity and diversity within its ranks.
Security operatives were heavily deployed at the venue, carrying out thorough checks on participants before allowing entry. Accreditation was conducted under the supervision of the convention’s accreditation sub-committee, chaired by Austin Akobundu, as proceedings commenced early on Tuesday.
According to the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, delegate allocation was carefully structured across states based on population size to ensure fair and equitable representation at the convention.
Idigo, however, expressed concern over difficulties encountered in securing a suitable venue for the national gathering. He alleged that the party faced resistance from multiple event facility operators in Abuja.
He claimed that the ADC had initially applied to use the Eagle Square but received no response, while a subsequent request to the National Stadium Velodrome was also allegedly denied without explanation.
“We approached several venues, including hotels and event centres, but once they realised it was ADC, they declined, citing fear of possible repercussions,” Idigo said.
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He further alleged that even after securing the Rainbow Event Centre, the party was nearly forced to relocate following reported pressure on the management. According to him, the venue operators initially attempted to cancel the booking despite payments already made.
“I do not understand why businesses in Nigeria cannot operate freely without intimidation,” he added, describing the situation as a challenge for private operators and a potential source of financial loss.
Despite the setbacks, the convention proceeded as planned, with party officials insisting that the event would successfully conclude ongoing congress processes across the country.
Idigo noted that the convention is expected to ratify a new party constitution, finalise internal administrative structures, and set the stage for upcoming primaries ahead of future elections.
Party leaders say the gathering represents a crucial step in strengthening internal democracy and repositioning the ADC for greater national relevance.
As deliberations continue, attention is focused on the resolutions that will emerge from the convention, particularly those relating to leadership structure, party reforms, and preparations for the next electoral cycle.
