Against All Odds, ADC National Convention Kicks Off

The much-talked-about National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) commenced on Tuesday afternoon in Abuja with the singing of the national anthem, signalling the formal start of proceedings at the Rainbow Event Centre venue of the gathering.

Top opposition figures and ADC chieftains were present at the convention, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, underscoring the growing political significance of the gathering ahead of the 2027 election.

LEADERSHIP reports that uncertainty earlier beclouded the event regarding whether there would venue for the convention or not even as the ADC currently lacks a formal leadership recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) owing to ongoing litigation believed to be sponsored by the ruling party.

The convention drew more than 3,000 delegates from across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with accreditation carried out under tight security supervision. Party officials said the exercise was coordinated by the accreditation sub-committee chaired by Austin Akobundu.

Ahead of the main event, key opposition stakeholders had held a closed-door meeting at the residence of former Senate President David Mark in Abuja.

The meeting, which included Obi, Amaechi, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, was described as part of last-minute consultations and strategic alignment among party leaders.

Also present at the meeting were other party figures, including Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, further reflecting the broad coalition of political actors engaging with the ADC.

Despite the successful kickoff of the event, the convention followed days of uncertainty over venue arrangements. The party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, revealed that efforts to secure major venues in Abuja, including Eagle Square and the Velodrome at the National Stadium, were unsuccessful.

“We wrote to use the Eagle Square but received no response, and our request for the Velodrome was also denied without explanation,” Idigo said.

He added that several hotels and event centres declined to host the convention after learning it was an ADC event, citing fear of possible repercussions.

According to him, even the Rainbow Event Centre initially attempted to withdraw after alleged pressure, but the party insisted on proceeding since payments had already been made.

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