Minister Nyesom Wike Denies Pressuring Event Venue Owner as ADC Vows to Proceed With Abuja Convention

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike denies allegations of threatening an event center owner to cancel the ADC national convention in Abuja.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 4:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Ripples Nigeria

Allegations of Administrative Intimidation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the owner of the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja withdrew permission for the party to use its facilities following direct threats from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. According to party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the venue owner was informed that his operating license would be revoked if he allowed the opposition party to host its national convention at the site. This development occurred on the eve of the scheduled event, despite the party having already fulfilled all contractual and financial obligations.

Ministerial Denial and Jurisdictional Clarification

In response to the accusations, Minister Nyesom Wike debunked the claims, stating that the ADC had never formally applied to use Eagle Square, a primary public venue in the capital. Wike further clarified that other requested locations, such as the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, fall under the jurisdiction of the National Sports Commission rather than the FCT Administration. The Minister’s office characterized the party's narrative as a misunderstanding of venue management and administrative protocols within the territory.

Opposition Resilience Amid Creeping Tyranny

Despite the alleged pressure on the private venue owner, the ADC has vowed to move forward with its Tuesday convention as planned. Bolaji Abdullahi, writing via his social media account, described the situation as an example of "creeping tyranny" and referred to the interference as the actions of a "petty tyrant." The party leadership maintains that they will not be intimidated by the FCDA or ministerial pressure, emphasizing that the contract signed with the Rainbow Event Centre remains a binding agreement they intend to honor.