Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned alleged efforts to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from using a private venue for its national convention scheduled to hold on Tuesday, describing the development as an abuse of public office.
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday night, Atiku accused unnamed government actors of attempting to frustrate the opposition party’s preparations by pressuring the management of the proposed venue, Rainbow Event Centre, to withdraw its approval for the event.
The ADC had earlier alleged that the proprietor of the facility came under pressure linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with threats that the venue’s licence could be revoked if it was used for the party’s convention.
Reacting to the claim, Atiku described the alleged action as “shameful and cowardly,” arguing that it amounted to the misuse of state power against a lawful political activity.
He said the party had fulfilled all requirements for the event, including payment of fees and signing of contracts, insisting that there was no legal basis for obstructing the convention.
“The ADC has paid every fee. The ADC has signed every contract. The ADC has broken no law,” he said, adding that the party’s only “offence” was its political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku further argued that attempts to frustrate opposition activities represented a broader threat to democratic governance, warning that such actions could undermine citizens’ rights to free political participation and association.
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He said coercing private individuals or businesses to deny opposition parties access to lawful venues was not governance, but an indication of intolerance that could weaken democratic institutions.
The former vice president also called on the international community and democratic partners to take note of the situation, urging vigilance over what he described as creeping authoritarian tendencies.
Atiku, who is a leading figure within the ADC, insisted that the party would not be intimidated or deterred from holding its convention, adding that the event would proceed as planned.
“The convention will hold. The ADC will rise. And Nigeria will rise with it,” he said.