By Our Reporter
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kola Ologbondiyan, has alleged that pressure from government actors was responsible for repeated last-minute cancellations of venues booked for the party’s national convention.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Ologbondiyan, who chairs the Media and Publicity Sub-committee for the convention, described the situation as “shameful,” noting that the party faced several disruptions while trying to secure a suitable venue.
He recounted how a particular event centre withdrew its approval during an inspection, citing a sudden scheduling conflict. According to him, such incidents were part of a pattern suggesting external interference.
Ologbondiyan alleged that individuals in positions of power were behind the pressure, claiming that those controlling government resources were acting out of fear of the opposition.
He further revealed that the latest setback involved the Rainbow Events Center, where the party had planned to host the convention. He claimed that the management withdrew permission late at night after allegedly receiving instructions from external forces, fearing economic consequences.
Despite the challenges, the ADC insisted it would go ahead with the convention. Ologbondiyan maintained that the party had fulfilled all contractual obligations, including payment for the venue, and had no reason to back down.
He added that if denied access to the venue, the party might consider holding the convention elsewhere, including in an open space, stressing that the exercise remains the party’s right.
On the legal front, he stated that the ADC had complied with all requirements by issuing the mandatory 21-day notice to the electoral body, insisting there was no court order stopping the convention.
Addressing internal disputes, he described disagreements arising from state congresses as routine political issues, downplaying their impact on party unity.
He noted that while questions around leadership and presidential ambition remain unresolved, the immediate focus is on strengthening the opposition ahead of future elections.