A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention planning committee, Dino Melaye, has declared that no force can prevent the party from proceeding with its scheduled convention, despite reported attempts to deny access to the venue.
The convention, slated for Tuesday, had faced uncertainty amid claims that organisers were being blocked from using the agreed facility. Concerns emerged after reports suggested that the party was at risk of losing the venue at the last minute.
Speaking during an appearance on Morning Show on Arise Television, Melaye revealed that there were deliberate efforts to disrupt the event. According to him, organisers were instructed to vacate the premises, while there were also moves to shut the venue’s gates entirely.
However, Melaye stressed that the planning committee firmly resisted these attempts, citing a legally binding agreement with the facility’s management. He maintained that the ADC had fulfilled all contractual and financial obligations required to secure the venue.
“We were even asked to leave yesterday. They wanted to shut the gates, but we insisted we are not going anywhere because we have a contract duly signed and we have paid in full,” he said.
The former lawmaker emphasised that the party possessed documented proof of payment, including receipts and signed agreements, which legitimised their right to use the venue. He insisted that under such circumstances, no authority had the legal grounds to evict the party or halt the event.
“At the end of the day, we are here, and we will hold our convention here. Nobody will stop us,” Melaye added, expressing confidence that the exercise would proceed as planned.
Beyond the venue dispute, Melaye used the opportunity to reiterate the ADC’s political ambitions, signalling the party’s readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the ADC as a growing force in Nigeria’s political landscape and expressed optimism about its future prospects.
The development underscores rising tensions in the political space as opposition parties intensify preparations ahead of future electoral contests. Despite the challenges, the ADC leadership appears determined to press ahead with its activities, projecting resilience in the face of disruption.
