By NEFISHETU YAKUBU

Security has been beefed up in and around Rainbow Event Centre, venue of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention holding in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 3,000 delegates are expected to participate in the election of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years

NAN also reports that the personnel of Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) manned the main entrance to the venue, conducting thorough security checks on delegates before allowing them access.

Security patrol vehicles were also stationed at strategic locations, manned by security operatives.

Journalists were also subjected to serious and thorough security checks before being allowed access to the venue.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ADC had been embroiled in leadership crisis as two factions lay claims to its leadership.

NAN also reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had suspended the recognition of all leadership factions, following the Court of Appeal ruling and the ongoing litigation over party leadership.

Speaking at the venue of the convention, Sen. Dino Melaye said that the convention would go on as planned, in spite of efforts to stop the exercise.

“Yesterday (Monday), there were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. All the venues we applied for were not approved.

“As at 11 p.m. last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel this programme but we stood our ground, and we will proceed with the convention today,” Melaye said.

Also, Mr Kabiru Saje, a member of the New Media committee, said the convention was expected to either produce new leadership or reaffirm the current leadership.

“Despite attempts by authorities to stop the programme yesterday evening, we stood our ground because it is our right to hold this convention.

“Although we faced challenges with securing a venue and had to change locations multiple times, preparations are now in place, and the event will go on as planned.

“The convention is expected to start by 11 a.m., and the atmosphere is positive, with delegates arriving and everything properly arranged,” he said.

Saje stated that the party remained confident in its leadership which, he said, was experienced, strategic and committed to progress.(NAN)