The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused authorities in Nigeria’s capital of mounting pressure on a private event venue to cancel its booking for the party’s upcoming national convention, in what it describes as an attempt to stifle opposition activities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary, said the management of Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja had notified the ADC of alleged threats linked to the planned gathering.
According to Abdullahi, the venue operators disclosed that they were being pressured to withdraw from hosting the convention, raising concerns over political interference and shrinking civic space.
“We have been informed by the management of the event centre that they are under intense pressure from authorities to cancel our booking,” Abdullahi said. “This is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about the state of democratic freedoms.”
The ADC did not provide specific details of the alleged threats but suggested that the pressure was connected to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration.
Nyesom Wike, the minister of the FCT, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Nigeria as parties begin to reposition ahead of future elections. The ADC said any attempt to disrupt its convention would undermine democratic norms and the right of political parties to organise freely.
Abdullahi called on authorities to ensure that democratic institutions are protected and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.
“We will not be intimidated,” he said. “Our commitment to democratic ideals remains firm.”
There has been no official confirmation from the Rainbow Event Centre regarding the claims at the time of reporting.
Political observers say the incident, if confirmed, could further intensify concerns about the use of state power in political contests, particularly in the nation’s capital.
The ADC has yet to announce whether it will proceed with the convention at the same venue or seek an alternative location.
