Top opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, on Tuesday held a closed-door strategic meeting with embattled ADC National Chairman David Mark ahead of the African Democratic Congress national convention in Abuja.

The meeting, held at David Mark’s residence on the sidelines of the convention, focused on final preparations and coordination before the party gathering officially commenced.

Also present at the briefing were ADC chieftains Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, underscoring the growing coalition of opposition leaders rallying around the party.

Photos and video clips from the gathering were shared on X by the CRA27 Advocacy Network, a group backing Amaechi’s political movement, describing the session as a strategic briefing before the convention.

The meeting came as thousands of delegates converged on the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, Abuja, for the ADC national convention, with party officials reporting that at least 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were accredited for the event.

ADC National Organising Secretary Chinedu Idigo said the party faced significant obstacles in securing a venue, alleging that several event centres and private businesses declined to host the convention over fears of intimidation and possible repercussions.

“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.

“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 stated.

“I do not understand why businesses in Nigeria cannot operate freely without intimidation, as this situation is causing significant financial losses to private operators,” he said.

According to Idigo, the convention is expected to conclude the party’s congress cycle, ratify a new constitution, and prepare the ground for future party primaries. (The Sun)