The management of De Rainbow Event Marquee in Abuja has dismissed reports alleging that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, threatened to revoke its operating licence for hosting the National Convention of the African Democratic Congress.
The centre, which is the venue for the ADC’s national convention, said the claims were false and not authorised by its management.
The controversy followed an accusation by the ADC that the FCT Minister was intimidating the owners of the facility for allowing the opposition party to use its premises for the event.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had disclosed the allegation via his X handle, claiming the venue owner was under pressure over the booking.
However, addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of De Rainbow Event Marquee, Martina K. Yusuf, denied receiving any threat from Wike or any government institution.
She said, “De Rainbow Event Marquee did not receive any threat of licence revocation from the Honourable Minister of the FCT or from any other person or government institution.”
Yusuf described the reports as unverified and misleading.
“These reports were not authorised by De Rainbow Event Marquee and, to the best of our knowledge, are untrue. They appear to have been circulated without verification,” she said.
She urged members of the public and the media to disregard the allegation and rely only on verified information.
According to her, the clarification became necessary following enquiries from clients with existing bookings who were concerned about their scheduled events.
She assured customers that the facility remains fully operational.
“We confirm that De Rainbow Event Marquee remains open for business and all confirmed bookings remain valid,” Yusuf stated.
She added that providing clients with a secure and controlled environment remains the organisation’s highest priority.
Yusuf expressed appreciation for the trust placed in the facility by its customers and stakeholders.
