Security has been intensified in and around Rainbow Event Centre, the venue of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention in Abuja.
About 7,000 delegates are expected to take part in the exercise to elect members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), who will oversee its affairs for the next four years.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) were stationed at the entrance, carrying out strict screening of delegates before granting access.
Security patrol vehicles were also deployed at strategic points around the venue, while journalists underwent thorough checks before being allowed in.
Convention Holds Amid Internal Party Dispute
The convention is taking place against the backdrop of a leadership crisis within the party, with rival factions laying claim to control of the ADC.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier suspended recognition of all factions following a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s leadership.
Melaye, Others Insist Convention Will Go Ahead
Speaking at the venue, former lawmaker Dino Melaye said the convention would proceed despite attempts to disrupt it.
He said several efforts were made to stop the event, including refusal of venue approvals and a last-minute attempt by the facility owners to cancel the booking.
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According to him, the organisers resisted the move and remained determined to go ahead with the programme.
Party Confident Of Outcome
Also speaking, Kabiru Saje, a member of the party’s New Media Committee, said the convention could either produce a new leadership or reaffirm the existing one.
He noted that despite challenges in securing a venue, including multiple changes of location, arrangements had been concluded and the event would proceed as scheduled.
Saje added that the convention was expected to begin at 11 a.m., with delegates arriving and preparations in place, expressing confidence in the party’s leadership and its direction.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
