The proprietor of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) planned to hold its national convention today, has withdrawn the earlier permission it granted to the party to use the facility.
This was disclosed by the spokesman of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi on his official X handle on Monday.
He said the venue owner cited pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the reason for the decision.
“After paying all the fees required, setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.
“But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow event centre. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising,” he added.
ADC on Monday, had announced that it secured the Rainbow Event Centre as the venue for its convention after authorities in the Federal Capital Territory declined its request to use Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.
The ADC described the Abuja venue as central and accessible, noting that it would accommodate delegates and stakeholders from across the country.
However, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike denied claims that the party applied to use Eagle Square, stating that no such request was received.
He also clarified that the stadium is under the control of the National Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration.
