ADC Insists on Holding Convention at Booked Venue Amid Dispute – Dino Melaye Speaks

Tensions surrounded the planned convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as party leaders insisted that no force could prevent them from proceeding at the designated venue, the Rainbow Event Centre.

Speaking as a member of the planning committee and Chairman of the Protocol Committee, Dino Melaye stated that attempts were made to compel organisers to vacate the venue despite a fully executed agreement.

“We were asked to leave the venue and they threatened to shut the door, but we insisted we were not going to leave,” Melaye said.

“We have a duly signed contract and paid in full. No battalion would have stopped us from holding this convention.”

Melaye emphasised that the party remained resolute, noting that a binding agreement with the venue’s management gave them the legal right to proceed.

Meanwhile, Kola Ologbondiyan, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the ADC Convention, confirmed that accreditation of delegates was ongoing at the venue, with no reports of sabotage at the time.

However, Ologbondiyan revealed that shortly before midnight, the owner of the event centre allegedly informed party leadership that he had been instructed to withdraw permission for the use of the facility.

According to him, the owner expressed concern about jeopardising his livelihood if he failed to comply.

Despite the development, the party maintained that it had no alternative venue due to time constraints and would not relocate. Ologbondiyan added that the ADC leadership had resolved to proceed with the convention regardless of the directive.

He further stated that if denied access to the venue, the party was prepared to hold the convention outdoors.

“With all contractual agreements completed, there will be no change of venue,” he said.

The situation highlights rising tensions around the event, as party officials remain determined to carry on with their activities despite the uncertainty surrounding the venue.