ADC Convention: Key Opposition Figures Meet in Abuja

Prominent opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting at the residence of David Mark in Abuja, ahead of the ongoing convention of the African Democratic Congress.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the convention, was part of last-minute consultations and strategic coordination among key stakeholders.

Also present were former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, as well as party figures Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Images and video clips from the gathering were shared on X by the CRA27 Advocacy Network, which posted: “LIVE: ADC CONVENTION HE Rotimi Amaechi at the residence of Senator David Mark for a strategic briefing alongside HE Peter Obi, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.”

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that more than 3,000 delegates converged at the Rainbow Event Centre for the convention.

Delegates, drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, were screened by security personnel as accreditation commenced under the supervision of the accreditation sub-committee chaired by Austin Akobundu.

Speaking on the development, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, said: “We wrote to use the Eagle Square but received no response, and our request for the Velodrome (at the National Stadium) was also denied without explanation.

“We approached several venues, including hotels and event centres, but once they realised it was ADC, they declined, citing fear of possible repercussions.”

Idigo further stated that even this Rainbow Event Centre initially attempted to cancel after alleged threats, but we insisted on proceeding since payments had already been made.

He said: “I do not understand why businesses in Nigeria cannot operate freely without intimidation, as this situation is causing significant financial losses to private operators.”

According to him, the convention will conclude the party’s congresses, ratify a new constitution, and set the stage for its primaries.