ADC Faces Convention Crisis Amidst Venue Denials, Legal Battles, Sumner Sambo Reports

Sumner Sambo, ARISE News Director and Politics Editor, has highlighted the precarious situation surrounding the African Democratic Congress's (ADC) upcoming national convention, scheduled for April 14th. The event is reportedly under threat from a combination of factors including the denial of venues, internal party conflicts, and existing legal disputes, which could compromise its credibility.

Sambo disclosed on ARISE News that the ADC is encountering substantial obstacles in securing facilities in Abuja for its convention. He detailed that prominent locations like the Eagle Square and the velodrome at the National Stadium were denied to the party. Furthermore, Sambo stated that two booked event centres had their owners allegedly pressured to withdraw their services.

Despite these significant setbacks, the party leadership remains committed to holding the convention. "They are insisting that the convention will hold, even if it’s going to be at an open field," Sambo confirmed, adding that media coverage would closely follow the unfolding events.

Beyond the logistical difficulties, Sambo pointed to a complex array of legal issues facing the ADC. He mentioned that the Supreme Court is slated to review a case involving former Senate President David Mark, which seeks to determine if the Federal High Court has the jurisdiction to hear matters concerning internal party affairs.

"At the courts, you will be seeing where the Supreme Court will be hearing this case of David Mark… trying to seek interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling on whether the Federal High Court should proceed," Sambo explained. He also indicated that the Federal High Court might postpone its proceedings on a similar matter, pending the Supreme Court's decision.

The ADC's internal divisions, evident in state-level congresses, are further exacerbating the party's challenges. Sambo cited disputes over leadership in states like Edo and Katsina, questioning the party's capacity to lead the nation if it cannot resolve internal conflicts. "If ADC says it is coming to save Nigeria and it can’t save itself from these little challenges, what exactly is it coming to do at the centre?" he posed.

Sambo identified a pervasive lack of internal democracy within Nigerian political parties as a fundamental issue, affecting not only the ADC but also major parties like the APC and PDP. He warned that unresolved leadership disputes and questionable congress outcomes could lead to a surge in litigation.

"Some former state chairmen are still claiming their tenures have not expired. That means some of the congresses conducted may be in violation… and the cases are just starting," he noted.

He also observed that despite the internal turmoil, the ADC continues to attract new members, suggesting strategic maneuvers among opposition figures. "People are still joining the ADC… but from what I’m hearing, if things don’t go well between now and mid-May, they may adopt another political platform," he revealed.

Addressing the broader political climate, Sambo advised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against complacency, suggesting that their current strategies might inadvertently consolidate the opposition. He noted that the closeness of the last election results indicated a narrow victory and that allowing opposition parties to unite on a single platform could pose a significant challenge.

Sambo criticized what he termed political brinkmanship from government spokespersons, drawing parallels to past instances of hyperbolic political rhetoric. "Appointees will always defend their principals. But politics can always go the other way," he cautioned.

While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu's political acumen, Sambo raised questions about his performance in governance. "President Tinubu has played politics very well… but when it comes to governance, it is left for Nigerians to decide whether he is as good at governance as he is at politics," he stated.

Concluding his analysis, Sambo emphasized that the upcoming days would be critical for the ADC as it navigates its convention plans amidst escalating uncertainties. "It’s going to be a very tough situation for the ADC tomorrow… time will tell."