ADC Convention: No INEC Officials On Ground, Venue Still Unstable

The ongoing National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has begun under uncertain conditions at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja, with reports suggesting that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were absent at the venue as activities were set to commence on Tuesday.

Speaking from the convention hall, an Arise News Channel correspondent present at the venue described a tense and unfinished setup inside the main hall, noting that key logistical elements were still being put in place.

“Well as at the time we went into the main hall, there is no trace of INEC personnel,” he said.

“For now, I tried to find out, no INEC personnel on ground, if they will come later, that’s going to be another thing,” he added.

The correspondent further repoeted that preparations at the venue were still ongoing, suggesting a hurried commencement of activities.

“Like I said they are rushing everything maybe when the normal time comes thats when, for now they are trying to electrify the place, the place is still dark, the air conditioners have not started working. For now, there’s no trace of INEC person,” he said.

The on-the-spot report came amid heightened tension surrounding the convention, after the event venue became a subject of controversy hours leading up to the convention, with allegations that government agents had attempted to frustrate the use of the Rainbow Event Centre over its decision to host the opposition gathering.

LEADERSHIP earlier reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had alleged a plot to revoke the licence of the Abuja event centre designated for the convention, further fuelling concerns over logistical and political interference ahead of the gathering.

The ADC Caucus in the House of Representatives had recently called for the removal and prosecution of the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, alleging bias and concerns over the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election.

The caucus accused INEC of interfering in internal party matters and alleged that the commission was recognising a disputed leadership faction within the ADC, claims the electoral body has previously denied.