ADC convention: Abuja venue refutes alleged licence threat by Wike

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By Luminous Jannamike & Folarin Kehinde

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The management of an Abuja-based event venue has denied reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, threatened to revoke its licence for hosting the National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

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The denial follows unverified claims linking the April 14 ADC gathering to a possible regulatory crackdown.

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Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Martina Yusuf, Director of De Rainbow Event Marquee, described the reports as false.

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She said, “We wish to categorically state that De Rainbow Event Marquee did not receive any threat of licence revocation from the Honourable Minister of the FCT or from any other person or government institution.

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“These reports were not authorised and, to the best of our knowledge, are untrue. They appear to have been circulated without verification.

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“Members of the public and the media are therefore urged to disregard the allegation in its entirety and only rely on verified information.”

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Hours before the convention, the ADC had alleged interference ahead of the gathering. Its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was informed that the venue was under pressure from authorities, including the FCT administration, and risked losing its licence if it hosted the event.

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The management said the clarification became necessary after clients raised concerns over their scheduled events.

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“We confirm that facility remains open for business and all confirmed bookings remain valid,” it said.

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