ADC Convention Faces Uncertainty as Abuja Venue Crisis Deepens

The planned national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is under threat as the party struggles to secure a venue in Abuja less than 24 hours to the event.

The development has raised concerns over the fate of the gathering, which is expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s leadership direction and strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Media aide to Senator David Mark, the party’s embattled National Chairman, Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed on Monday that efforts to obtain a suitable venue have so far been unsuccessful.

According to him, the party had written to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, seeking approval to use Eagle Square, but had not received a response despite acknowledgment of the request.

He further revealed that attempts to secure the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, including the Velodrome, were also unsuccessful after several engagements with officials of the sports ministry.

Ologbondiyan alleged that privately owned event centres in Abuja have declined to host the convention due to fears of possible government backlash.

Despite the challenges, the party maintained that the convention will proceed as scheduled on April 14, noting that it had already notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the event.

The convention is expected to attract thousands of delegates and is seen as critical to consolidating alliances within a broader opposition coalition.

However, the situation is further complicated by an ongoing leadership crisis within the party, with a faction aligned to Dumebi Kachikwu rejecting the planned convention and pursuing a separate agenda.

The combination of logistical setbacks and internal divisions has heightened uncertainty over the party’s cohesion at a crucial political moment.