The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused authorities of attempting to obstruct its National Convention by pressuring the owner of its booked venue to withdraw access, despite a signed agreement and full payment.
In a statement issued on the eve of the convention, the party said the management of Rainbow Event Centre informed it of "mounting pressure" from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to cancel the booking.
According to the ADC, the venue owner was allegedly warned that his operational licence could be revoked if the event went ahead.
"After paying all the required fees and putting finishing touches to preparations for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he is under pressure from the FCDA and the FCT Minister," the statement said.
Despite the claim, the party insisted it would proceed as scheduled, citing a binding contractual agreement with the facility.
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"We have already signed a contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre," the statement added.
The ADC described the situation as an attempt to stifle democratic expression, warning against what it called "creeping tyranny" in the political space.
"We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant," the party said.
Reiterating its message, the party declared: "ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising."
As of the time of filing this report, neither the FCDA nor the office of the FCT Minister had responded to the allegations.
The development follows earlier reports that the party was unable to secure Moshood Abiola National Stadium and Eagle Square for the convention.