The leadership of the African Democratic Congress is set to hold its national convention in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, despite reported difficulties in securing a venue.

Party sources said the convention will take place at the National Rainbow Event Center, with David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola expected to preside as national chairman and national secretary respectively.

The venue, located in Garki, was reportedly kept undisclosed until recently after the party was allegedly denied access to other facilities it had earlier approached, including a hotel in Abuja.

Sources within the party suggested the move to keep the location confidential was aimed at avoiding possible disruptions, noting that state chapters were only informed with instructions not to publicise the details.

The convention comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute between the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

INEC had suspended recognition of the Mark-led leadership, citing a court ruling that directed parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of internal disputes.

The matter is currently before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where the party is seeking legal clarity.

In anticipation of the event, the party has written to security agencies, including the police and other relevant bodies, requesting protection for delegates and participants.

Preparations at the venue were said to be ongoing as of Monday, with organisers planning to fully take control of the facility in the early hours of Tuesday.

The convention is expected to serve as a critical step in resolving the party’s leadership crisis and repositioning it ahead of future political activities.