ADC Convention: Obi, Amaechi Meet Secretly at David Mark’s Home
Prominent opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, converged at the residence of embattled African Democratic Congress National Chairman Senator David Mark on Tuesday for a closed-door strategic briefing held on the sidelines of the party’s national convention in Abuja.
The meeting, focused on final preparations and coordination, also featured former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, party chieftains Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. Visual documentation of the gathering was shared on X by the CRA27 Advocacy Network, an organisation backing Amaechi’s political vision, with the caption: “LIVE: ADC CONVENTION HE Rotimi Amaechi at the residence of Senator David Mark for a strategic briefing alongside HE Peter Obi, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.”
A subsequent post read: “H.E Rotimi Amaechi Joined by Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the ADC leaders are making final preparations before heading to the convention.”
Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that no fewer than 3,000 delegates arrived at the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, Abuja, for the convention. The delegates, dressed in colourful attire, were drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, showcasing unity and diversity within party ranks. Security personnel conducted thorough checks on all delegates before granting them access, as accreditation commenced under the supervision of the accreditation sub-committee chaired by Austin Akobundu.
Speaking on venue challenges, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, expressed dissatisfaction over difficulties faced in securing a befitting location, alleging that several private business owners declined to host the ADC due to what he described as external pressures and threats.
“We wrote to use the Eagle Square but received no response, and our request for the Velodrome (at the National Stadium) was also denied without explanation,” Idigo stated.
“We approached several venues, including hotels and event centres, but once they realised it was ADC, they declined, citing fear of possible repercussions. Even this Rainbow Event Centre initially attempted to cancel after alleged threats, but we insisted on proceeding since payments had already been made,” he added.
Idigo further remarked: “I do not understand why businesses in Nigeria cannot operate freely without intimidation, as this situation is causing significant financial losses to private operators.”
According to Idigo, the convention will conclude the party’s congresses, ratify a new constitution, and set the stage for the party’s primaries.