The national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday despite earlier concerns over the availability of its venue in Abuja, according to former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye.

Speaking to journalists at the Rainbow Event Centre, the designated venue for the event, Melaye reaffirmed the party’s resolve to go ahead with the convention, citing a valid contractual agreement with the facility’s management.

The clarification follows allegations by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who claimed on Monday night that there had been a last-minute attempt to prevent the party from using the venue. Abdullahi alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), pressured the venue’s owner to cancel the booking.

Describing the development as political intimidation, Abdullahi stated that the party had fulfilled all financial obligations and completed preparations for the convention before being informed of the alleged pressure. He maintained that a binding agreement was in place and characterized the situation as an effort to disrupt the party’s constitutional activities.

Melaye reiterated this position, stressing that the ADC would not vacate the venue. He noted that full payment had been made and that the existence of a legally binding contract entitled the party to proceed without interference.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Wike nor the FCDA had issued an official response to the latest allegations.

The controversy comes amid earlier claims by Kola Ologbondiyan, media aide to the embattled ADC National Chairman, David Mark, that the party faced challenges securing a venue less than 24 hours before the event. Ologbondiyan alleged that efforts to obtain approval for Eagle Square were unsuccessful despite formal application and acknowledgment, and that attempts to use alternative facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, including the Velodrome, also failed.

However, Wike has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was unaware of any such requests. He emphasized that public facilities such as Eagle Square are accessible to all groups, provided due process is followed and requisite fees are paid.