Melaye: ADC Convention Goes Ahead Today Despite Venue Sabotage

Former lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye, has affirmed that the national convention of the African Democratic Congress will go ahead as scheduled on Tuesday, despite earlier uncertainty surrounding the use of the Rainbow Event Centre.

Speaking to journalists at the venue, Melaye, a prominent member of the party, maintained that there was no reason to relocate the event, emphasizing that the ADC had fulfilled all requirements tied to the facility.

The controversy follows claims by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who alleged on Monday night that there was a last-minute attempt by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Development Authority, to pressure the venue’s owner into cancelling the event.

Abdullahi described the situation as political intimidation, claiming the venue owner was warned that his licence could be revoked if he allowed the ADC to proceed with its convention. He noted that the party had already secured the venue through a formal agreement and completed all necessary payments, insisting that any attempt to disrupt the event amounted to interference in the party’s lawful activities.

He added that the ADC would not be deterred, stressing that the convention would take place as planned at the same venue, despite what he called attempts to undermine the party.

Reinforcing this stance, Melaye said the party had no intention of backing down, pointing out that a legally binding contract was in place. According to him, having paid fully and secured the venue through proper channels, there was no basis for preventing the convention from holding.

As of the time of reporting, neither Wike nor the Federal Capital Development Authority had officially responded to the allegations.

The situation comes amid earlier concerns raised by Kola Ologbondiyan, media aide to the party’s embattled National Chairman, David Mark, who had claimed that the party struggled to secure a venue less than 24 hours before the convention, attributing the difficulties to deliberate obstruction.

Ologbondiyan stated that the party had formally applied to use Eagle Square through the office of the FCT minister but received no response, despite acknowledgment of the request. He also noted that efforts to secure alternative venues, including facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, proved unsuccessful.

However, Wike dismissed the allegations, saying he was unaware of any such request and insisting that public venues like Eagle Square remain accessible to all groups that follow due procedures and make the necessary payments.