Security has been significantly reinforced at the Rainbow Event Center in Abuja, venue of the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as approximately 3,000 delegates gather to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC).

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the delegates are expected to choose party officials who will steer the affairs of the ADC for the next four years.

Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed in large numbers, manning the main entrance and conducting thorough checks on delegates and journalists before granting access to the venue. Patrol vehicles were also strategically positioned around the area.

The heightened security presence comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the party, with rival factions laying claim to its leadership structure. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier suspended recognition of all factions following a Court of Appeal ruling and pending litigation over the party’s leadership.

Speaking at the venue, Dino Melaye affirmed that the convention would proceed despite alleged attempts to disrupt it.

“There were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. All the venues we applied for were not approved.

As at 11 p.m. last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel the programme, but we stood our ground and will proceed,” he said.

Also speaking, Kabiru Saje stated that the convention would either produce a new leadership or reaffirm the existing one.

“Despite attempts to halt the programme, we remained resolute. Although we faced challenges securing a venue and had to change locations multiple times, preparations are now complete, and the event will go on as planned,” Saje said.

He added that the convention was scheduled to commence at 11 a.m., noting a positive atmosphere at the venue with delegates arriving and logistics fully in place.

Saje further expressed confidence in the party’s leadership, describing it as experienced, strategic, and committed to progress.