Former Anambra State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed that the party’s national convention will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja, despite warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reported internal party disputes.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Obi insisted that the ADC convention would proceed on Tuesday in Abuja as planned, expressing confidence in the party’s arrangements.
He alleged that the party had been denied access to key venues, including Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, accusing authorities of deliberately frustrating opposition parties.
“Definitely. It will hold tomorrow (Tuesday). In Abuja here. It’s going to happen in Abuja,” he said, adding that he expected media coverage of the event.
Obi criticised what he described as growing restrictions on opposition activities, arguing that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles.
“That shows you the integrity of our democracy. If you’re denied simple things like venues and everything, it shows where the country is drifting to,” he said.
He further argued that freedom of association and constitutional guarantees were being eroded, warning that opposition parties must be allowed to function freely for democracy to thrive.
Responding to questions on the venue denials, Obi said he was not aware of the specific reasons given but maintained that institutional independence was essential to prevent recurring political disputes.
“I don’t know, just like you. I don’t know, but I believe that unless the party in power decides to support our institutions to be able to play their part, we’ll continue having such problems,” he noted.
On the leadership tussle within the ADC involving David Mark, Obi referenced previous court rulings he said restricted regulatory interference in internal party affairs, insisting that such legal precedents should have resolved the dispute.
“There have been decided cases clearly that say that INEC… should not interfere in the internal affairs of political parties,” he said, adding that continued disputes reflect deeper systemic challenges.
He also accused the current administration of worsening political tensions and undermining institutional processes.
