By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a leading presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, has issued a blistering statement accusing the government and its agents of attempting to revoke the licence of Rainbow Event Centre – the scheduled venue for the party’s national convention today.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, Abubakar described the alleged move as a “shameful and cowardly abuse of public office,” and insisted that the convention will proceed despite what he called a pattern of political intimidation.

The full statement reads:

“The reports from the spokesperson of our great party, which exposes the plans of the government and its agents to revoke the licence of Rainbow Event Centre for the singular offence of hosting the African Democratic Congress convention slated for today, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, is a shameful and cowardly abuse of public office.

Let it be said without equivocation: coercing a private business owner to deny a lawfully registered opposition party the use of a venue is not governance. It is not politics. It is the naked conduct of a regime that has lost the argument, lost the people, and now reaches for the boot because it has nothing else left.

The ADC has paid every fee. The ADC has signed every contract. The ADC has broken no law. Our only offence is that we are organising, we are growing, and we are preparing to retire this failed government at the ballot box in 2027.

This is how democracies are strangled, not in a single dramatic blow, but in a thousand petty, vindictive acts against opposition parties, against free assembly, and against the sacred right of citizens to choose their own leaders. To the international community, and every democratic partner of Nigeria: take note of what is being done here tonight, and in whose name.

We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny, and we will never bow to the petty tyrants behind it.

The convention will hold. The ADC will rise. And Nigeria will rise with it.
– AA”

Abubakar, a former vice president and veteran opposition figure, did not provide specific documentary evidence of the alleged licence revocation plot. However, his remarks come hours after the statement made by the National Publicity Secretary of their party, and before the ADC’s scheduled convention, which party officials say is expected to draw thousands of delegates from across the country.

Government spokespersons had not issued an official response at the time of this report.

Observers note that accusations of venue cancellations against opposition parties have been a recurring flashpoint in Nigerian politics, often raising questions about the fairness of the democratic space ahead of major elections.

The ADC has positioned itself as a coalition of disaffected groups and individuals aiming to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 presidential race. Today’s convention is seen as a critical test of the party’s organisational strength and resolve.

Former federal lawmaker Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada has publicly disassociated himself from a political group known as Barau /Abba/Shaaban, which reportedly convened a meeting to endorse Kano State’s new Deputy Governor.

Sharada, who represented Kano Municipal in the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023, issued the clarification on his verified Facebook page. In the statement, he emphasized that he has no affiliation with the group and no involvement in the planned gathering.

“I woulaaad like to take this opportunity to distance myself from a gathering that is said to be organized on, Tuesday, by the Abba, Barau, and Sha’aban Sharada grp They plan to declare their position regarding the current situation of endorsing new Deputy Governor of Kano under the leadership of Hon. Iliyasu Koki, which has already been published in the media,” Sharada wrote.

He further stressed that he was unaware of the group’s formation and had no hand in organizing the meeting, adding that he did not even know its purpose.

The former lawmaker with prays for peace and well-being of Kano State:

“May Allah grant us health and peaceful living. Ameen, summa ameen.”

Sharada’s statement comes due to heightened political activity in Kano following the resignation of the former Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam , with various factions and interest groups positioning themselves on the matter.

His distancing showcases the fluid alliances and tensions within Kano’s political landscape, particularly among figures associated with Senator Barau Jibrin.

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and representative of Bichi Federal Constituency, has donated ₦100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Naira) to the family of his late colleague, Hon. Barrister Muhammad Hassan.

The condolence visit, led by Hon. Bichi and members of the Appropriations Committee, was held in Abuja following the passing of Hon. Hassan last Friday night at the age of 62. The late lawmaker, who represented Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, succumbed after a prolonged illness. His death has drawn widespread mourning from fellow legislators, political associates, and constituents who hailed him as a dedicated public servant committed to the welfare of his people.

During the visit, prayers were offered for the repose of his soul, with colleagues asking Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, show him mercy, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. The atmosphere was deeply emotional as lawmakers reflected on his contributions to governance and his enduring legacy.

Hon. Bichi’s donation of ₦100 million was described as a significant show of compassion, underscoring the bond among members of the House of Representatives and their commitment to supporting one another in times of grief. The gesture is expected to provide relief to the bereaved family as they navigate this difficult period.

The late Hon. Hassan is survived by three wives and 18 children, leaving behind a large family and a legacy of service. As condolences continue to pour in, prayers have been extended for strength and comfort to his family, colleagues, and the people of Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency.