ADC convention holds amid tight security, leadership crisis

Security operatives on Tuesday locked down the venue of the African Democratic Congress national convention in Abuja as about 7,000 delegates gathered to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC).

Armed personnel of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services mounted heavy presence around the Rainbow Event Centre, screening delegates and journalists before granting access.

Patrol vehicles were also stationed at strategic points to prevent any breach.

The convention comes at a tense moment for the party, which has been battling an internal leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to control.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier suspended recognition of all factions following a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation.

Despite the uncertainty, party leaders insisted the exercise would go ahead as planned.

Former lawmaker, Dino Melaye, said attempts were made to frustrate the convention at the last minute.

“Yesterday, there were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. All the venues were applied for but were not approved.”

He added that pressure mounted late into the night, with efforts to disrupt the event.

“As at 11 pm last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel this programme, but we stood our ground, and we will proceed with the convention today.”

A member of the party’s New Media Committee, Kabiru Saje, also confirmed the challenges but maintained that the party would not back down.

“Despite attempts by authorities to stop the programme yesterday evening, we stood our ground because it is our right to hold this convention.”

He said the party had to change venues multiple times before settling for the current location.

“Although we faced challenges with securing a venue and had to change locations multiple times, preparations are now in place, and the event will go ahead as planned.”

Saje added that the convention would either produce a new leadership team or reaffirm the current one, stressing that delegates had already begun arriving.

“The convention is expected to start by 11 a.m., and the atmosphere is positive, with delegates arriving and everything properly arranged.”

The outcome of the convention is expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of future elections, especially as it seeks to stabilise its leadership and rebuild internal cohesion.