Abuja, NIGERIA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported plans by the Federal Government to revoke the license of Rainbow Event Centre for hosting the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) today, Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Okay News reports that the statement, released by Atiku on Tuesday morning, described the move as a “shameful and cowardly abuse of public office.” The opposition leader accused the administration of coercing a private business owner to deny a lawfully registered political party their right to free assembly.
According to the statement, the ADC had fulfilled all financial and contractual obligations for the use of the venue. Atiku argued that the move to stifle the convention is a sign of a “regime that has lost the argument” and is resorting to “petty, vindictive acts” to strangle democracy. He noted that these actions are being taken because the government views the growing organization of the opposition as a threat to its 2027 ambitions.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced,” Atiku declared, urging the international community to take note of the “creeping tyranny” in the country. Despite the reported pressure on the venue owners, the former Vice President insisted that the convention would proceed as planned, asserting that the ADC will continue its mission to “retire this failed government at the ballot box.”
The controversy follows earlier reports that the ADC was denied the use of public facilities like Eagle Square and the MKO Abiola Stadium, forcing the party to move its event to a private center.
