Security presence was significantly heightened on Tuesday at the Rainbow Event Centre, venue of the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as delegates gathered for the exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that about 3,000 delegates are expected to participate in the convention, where members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected to steer its affairs for the next four years.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, were deployed at the venue, mounting strict checks at the main entrance before granting access to delegates and accredited individuals.
Patrol vehicles were stationed at strategic points around the facility, while journalists covering the event were also subjected to rigorous screening.
The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier suspended recognition of all factions following a Court of Appeal ruling and pending litigation over the party’s leadership.
Speaking at the venue, Dino Melaye said the convention would proceed despite attempts to halt it.
“Yesterday, there were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. None of the venues we applied for were approved. As at 11 p.m. last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel this programme, but we stood our ground and will proceed,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the party’s New Media Committee, Kabiru Saje, said the convention would either produce new leadership or reaffirm the current one.
He noted that despite last-minute challenges, including multiple venue changes, preparations had been completed and the event was set to begin by 11 a.m., with delegates already arriving.
Saje expressed confidence in the party’s leadership, describing it as experienced, strategic, and committed to progress.
