Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned alleged moves to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from holding its national convention in Abuja, describing the reported actions as an abuse of public office and an assault on democratic freedoms.
In a post on social media reacting to claims that pressure was mounted on the management of the Rainbow Event Centre to revoke its venue agreement with the party, Atiku said such actions amounted to intimidation of private citizens and political suppression.
He argued that the reported attempt to interfere with the ADC’s access to a lawfully booked venue reflected what he described as a “regime that has lost public confidence and now resorts to coercion.”
According to him, the party had fulfilled all contractual obligations for the venue and had not breached any law, insisting that its only “offence” was its growing political influence and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku further warned that the development was consistent with what he called a gradual erosion of democratic space, where opposition parties face increasing administrative and institutional pressure.
He urged both domestic stakeholders and the international community to take note of the situation, describing it as part of a broader pattern that could undermine political freedom if left unchecked.
Despite the concerns raised, the former Vice President maintained that the convention would proceed as planned, stressing that the party would not be deterred by what he described as attempts to intimidate its members.
He added that the ADC remained committed to its political agenda and would continue its mobilisation ahead of the next general elections.