Politics
ADC National Convention: Security Beefed Up as 3,000 Delegates Elect New NWC
Security presence was significantly reinforced on Tuesday at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja, venue of the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as about 3,000 delegates gathered to elect members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) were stationed at the main entrance, conducting strict security screenings on delegates and journalists before granting access to the venue.
Security patrol vehicles were also deployed to strategic points around the event centre, with armed personnel maintaining surveillance to ensure order throughout the exercise.
Journalists covering the convention were not exempted, as they underwent thorough checks before being admitted into the premises.
The convention comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership structure. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier suspended recognition of all factions following a ruling by the Court of Appeal and pending litigation over the party’s leadership.
Despite these challenges, key party stakeholders insisted that the convention would proceed as scheduled.
Speaking at the venue, former senator Dino Melaye disclosed that there had been attempts to disrupt the event.
“Yesterday (Monday), there were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. All the venues we applied for were not approved,” he said.
“As at 11 p.m. last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel this programme but we stood our ground, and we will proceed with the convention today.”
Also speaking, Mr. Kabiru Saje, a member of the party’s New Media Committee, said the convention would either produce a new leadership or reaffirm the current one.
“Despite attempts by authorities to stop the programme yesterday evening, we stood our ground because it is our right to hold this convention,” Saje said.
“Although we faced challenges with securing a venue and had to change locations multiple times, preparations are now in place, and the event will go on as planned.”
He added that the convention, expected to commence by 11 a.m., had already begun attracting delegates, with arrangements in place to ensure a smooth exercise.
Saje expressed confidence in the party’s leadership, describing it as experienced, strategic, and committed to progress.
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