Former Anambra State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi, has assured that the national convention of the the party will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, despite earlier uncertainty over venue arrangements.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News Channel on Monday night, Obi expressed confidence that the event would hold without disruption.
"Definitely ADC convention will hold tomorrow (Tuesday), I assure you, in Abuja here," he said.
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Obi, however, raised concerns about what he described as growing restrictions on opposition politics in Nigeria, warning that denial of basic facilities such as venues reflected poorly on the country's democratic credentials.
"That shows you the integrity of a democracy. If you are denied simple things like venue, it shows where the party is going to in the country where we have freedom of association enshrined in the constitution, and yet a party that is considered to be the main opposition party cannot be allowed to exist," he said.
He added, "The government doesn't want other parties to exist. I don't know, but I know that except the parties in power decide to respect our institutions to be able to play their parts, we will be having these issues."
His comments came against the backdrop of earlier uncertainty surrounding the ADC national convention, with party officials initially raising alarm over difficulties in securing a venue in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The party had applied to use Eagle Square and also explored options at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, but said it encountered challenges in accessing the facilities.
However, the situation was later resolved after the ADC confirmed that it had secured the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki Area 8, Abuja, as the venue for the convention.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had denied any foul play, insisting that no formal application was submitted to his office and that access to public facilities is granted strictly based on due process.
"We do not deny access," Wike said, adding that organisations were free to use government venues once they comply with established procedures.
