African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday proceeded with its national convention in Abuja despite the absence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and earlier fears that the Rainbow Event Centre venue could be withdrawn at the last minute.
The event was held amid allegations of pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to cancel the booking of venue.
The party, led by Senator David Mark, held the event at the Rainbow Event Centre, overcoming earlier denials of access to major public facilities.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, alleged that the management of the new venue was under pressure to cancel the booking.
At the convention on Tuesday, former Kogi senator, Dino Melaye, expressed frustration over the situation but insisted the event would proceed.
Melaye said: “We are using this place by force.
“After paying for this place, signing contractual agreements, they refused to let us use it. We don’t know where to turn on the central air conditioners.
“But we are working on getting the ACs on. Even if it is in a motor park, the convention will hold today. They don’t want it to hold, but by the grace of God, the convention will hold today.”