By Jude Opara
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has lamented what it described as repeated and “shameful” denial of venues for its planned national convention in Abuja.
Chairman of the party’s media and publicity sub-committee for the convention, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television.
Ologbondiyan said the party had faced multiple setbacks in its efforts to secure a suitable venue, recounting a specific incident where ADC officials were invited to inspect an event centre in Mabushi but were turned back upon arrival.
According to him, the team had travelled from Garki to Mabushi following an invitation, only to be informed on reaching the venue that it was no longer available due to a conflicting event.
Describing the experience as unusual, he suggested that the repeated denials may be linked to political pressure, noting that the country is not currently in an election period.
“Let me tell you what the ADC has passed through in the last few days in respect of venue is shameful. That’s just how to put it: very shameful,” he said.
He added that the party had approached several event centres and hotels in Abuja, but was consistently denied access, a situation he found difficult to explain under normal circumstances.
Ologbondiyan further hinted that those in power might be acting out of apprehension, despite their political dominance across the country.
“And to me, it’s strange, because it’s not election yet… people who have 36 governors plus FCT Minister… are so panicky,” he added.
The ADC is yet to confirm a final venue for its convention amid the ongoing challenges.
