The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared its readiness to proceed with its national convention, warning that it may relocate the event to the streets if authorities prevent access to its approved venue.
Speaking on Arise Television, the Chairman of the party’s Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Kola Ologbodiyan, revealed that multiple arrangements with event centres had unexpectedly fallen through, including a last-minute withdrawal by the management of the Rainbow Events Centre.
According to him, the venue owner informed party leaders shortly before midnight that permission had been revoked, citing external pressure and concerns over losing his source of livelihood.
Ologbodiyan insisted that the party would not be deterred, stressing that the convention would go ahead regardless of the circumstances.
“If the directive to deny us access to the Rainbow Events Centre is enforced, we are prepared to hold our convention on the streets. The convention belongs to the party,” he said.
He maintained that the ADC had met all contractual obligations, including full payment for the venue, and would not vacate the premises unless forcibly removed.
“Having fulfilled all agreements, there is no reason for us to withdraw. Anyone insisting we must leave should come and enforce it themselves,” he added.
Addressing concerns about the legality of the convention, Ologbodiyan affirmed that the party had complied with all electoral guidelines. He noted that the required 21-day notice had been duly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Our responsibility under the law ends with issuing the 21-day notice to INEC, and we have done that. There is no legal order stopping this convention,” he said.
He further emphasized that no court ruling or directive exists to halt the gathering, reiterating the party’s determination to proceed as planned.
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