The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced that more than 3,000 delegates are expected to attend its national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026, in Abuja, despite facing challenges in securing preferred venues for the event.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview, stating that preparations were in top gear and that party members across the country were mobilising for a successful convention.
According to Abdullahi, the convention will now take place at Rainbow Hotel in Abuja after efforts to secure larger and more traditional venues proved unsuccessful.
He alleged that authorities failed to respond to the party’s request to use the Eagle Square, a popular venue for major political gatherings, raising concerns about fairness and equal access.
The party also approached the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, but was later informed that the facility had been booked for a cycling championship, forcing the ADC to make alternative arrangements.
Abdullahi described the development as part of a broader pattern of challenges confronting opposition parties, questioning whether public facilities should be restricted based on political affiliations.
Despite the setbacks, he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding a credible and transparent convention, noting that thousands of delegates, leaders, and supporters are expected to converge for the exercise.
Meanwhile, the ADC stated that its recently concluded ward and state congresses were conducted peacefully nationwide, reflecting its dedication to internal democracy and due process.
The party also confirmed that newly elected state executives would be inaugurated on May 12, 2026, or on a later date to be announced by its National Working Committee.
As part of preparations, the ADC has constituted its convention planning structure, appointing former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, as chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, with former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, serving as deputy.
The convention comes amid a lingering leadership crisis within the party, involving key figures such as former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, whose names were recently removed from the records of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The internal dispute, which began in 2025 following the emergence of a new National Working Committee, has led to multiple legal battles and raised questions about the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
