THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention was thrown into disarray on Tuesday after intense heat inside the event hall forced delegates and dignitaries to step outside intermittently.
Despite the presence of air conditioning units, attendees said the systems were either not working, leaving the packed hall stifling and uncomfortable.
As of 1:30 p.m., proceedings had yet to fully commence, with many dignitaries still being awaited.
Several delegates were seen fanning themselves and rushing out for fresh air, while others poured water on their heads to cope with the heat. Among them was a former Kogi governorship candidate and senator, Dino Melaye, who emerged visibly drenched in sweat and was observed cooling off outside the venue.
The situation disrupted sittings, with constant movement in and out of the hall as participants struggled to endure the conditions.
The disruption adds to the controversy trailing the convention, which had earlier been hit by a last-minute venue crisis.
The ICIR reports that the discomfort arose largely from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) alleged refusal to approve the venues requested by the party for the convention.
Venues including the Eagle Square and the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were allegedly denied the party.
Consequently, the ADC, which had at least 3,000 delegates for the convention had to make do with the Rainbow Event Centre at Area 8, which organisers said was not conducive for the convention.
The party had raised the alarm, Thursday night, less than 20 hours to the convention, that the FCTA was threatening to revoke the licence of the venue should the event hold on the premises.
However, the party vowed it would go ahead with the convention, arguing that it had a contract with the facility and had made all payments to use the venue.
NOTE: This report was updated to show that the discomfort suffered at the convention by delegates was largely caused by the party’s failure to get a conducive venue for the event.
Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via nyahaya@icirnigeria.org and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.