- Dino Melaye said organisers of the African Democratic Congress convention had resisted efforts to deny them access to their venue
- He stated that the party had met all contractual obligations, presenting proof of payment and a signed agreement to justify their presence
- Melaye expressed confidence that the convention went ahead as planned, while reaffirming the party’s ambition to challenge the All Progressives Congress
A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention planning committee, Dino Melaye, has declared that no force can prevent the party from proceeding with its scheduled convention, despite reported attempts to deny access to the venue.
The convention, slated for Tuesday, had faced uncertainty amid claims that organisers were being blocked from using the agreed facility. Concerns emerged after reports suggested that the party was at risk of losing the venue at the last minute.
Speaking during an appearance on Morning Show on Arise Television, Melaye revealed that there were deliberate efforts to disrupt the event. According to him, organisers were instructed to vacate the premises, while there were also moves to shut the venue’s gates entirely.
However, Melaye stressed that the planning committee firmly resisted these attempts, citing a legally binding agreement with the facility’s management. He maintained that the ADC had fulfilled all contractual and financial obligations required to secure the venue.
“We were even asked to leave yesterday. They wanted to shut the gates, but we insisted we are not going anywhere because we have a contract duly signed and we have paid in full,” he said.
The former lawmaker emphasised that the party possessed documented proof of payment, including receipts and signed agreements, which legitimised their right to use the venue. He insisted that under such circumstances, no authority had the legal grounds to evict the party or halt the event.
“At the end of the day, we are here, and we will hold our convention here. Nobody will stop us,” Melaye added, expressing confidence that the exercise would proceed as planned.
Beyond the venue dispute, Melaye used the opportunity to reiterate the ADC’s political ambitions, signalling the party’s readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the ADC as a growing force in Nigeria’s political landscape and expressed optimism about its future prospects.
The development underscores rising tensions in the political space as opposition parties intensify preparations ahead of future electoral contests. Despite the challenges, the ADC leadership appears determined to press ahead with its activities, projecting resilience in the face of disruption.
ADC crisis deepens as Bala confirms presence at leadership meeting
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified, as factional national chairman Nafiu Bala confirmed that he was present at the meeting where an interim leadership led by former Senate President David Mark was installed in July 2025.
The development marks a significant moment in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute, which has since split the ADC into two factions—one aligned with Mark and the other led by Bala.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further complicated the situation on Wednesday by announcing that it would not recognise either faction, citing a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on 12 March.