Over 3,000 delegates storm Abuja for ADC national convention amid venue controversy

No fewer than 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria have gathered in Abuja for the ongoing national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the party moves to conclude its congresses and reposition ahead of forthcoming primary elections.

Delegates, representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, arrived at the venue in colourful and diverse traditional attire, reflecting the party’s nationwide spread and cultural diversity.

Security presence was visibly heightened, with personnel conducting detailed checks before granting access to the convention ground. Accreditation of delegates was ongoing under the supervision of the accreditation sub-committee chaired by Senator Austin Akobundu.

Speaking at the event, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, explained that delegate allocation was determined based on the size of each state to ensure equitable representation during proceedings.

However, Idigo raised concerns over what he described as significant obstacles encountered in securing a suitable venue for the convention.

He alleged that several private facility operators declined to host the ADC, citing what he termed external pressure and intimidation. According to him, formal requests to use Eagle Square and the Velodrome at the National Stadium in Abuja were either ignored or rejected without official explanation.

He further claimed that a number of hotels and event centres turned down the party’s booking requests after learning of its involvement, reportedly due to fears of possible repercussions.

“Even the Rainbow Event Centre initially attempted to cancel after alleged threats, but we insisted on proceeding since payments had already been made,” Idigo stated.

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He warned that such an atmosphere, if sustained, could undermine the ability of businesses to operate freely and potentially expose private operators to financial losses.

The convention is expected to formally conclude the party’s congresses, ratify a new constitution and lay the groundwork for upcoming primary elections.

As of 11 a.m., however, no officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were sighted at the venue, raising questions among some delegates about regulatory oversight of the proceedings.

Political observers say the turnout underscores the ADC’s efforts to consolidate its internal structures and expand its influence ahead of future electoral contests, even as the party navigates logistical and political challenges surrounding the convention.