The management of Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu has explained why it initially withdrew approval for a gathering organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following allegations of political interference involving Governor Peter Mbah.
The controversy erupted after the opposition party accused the venue of withdrawing permission less than 24 hours before a town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026. The event was expected to feature NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The development triggered public outrage, with some party supporters alleging that the decision was intended to frustrate the opposition’s political activities in Enugu.
But the venue management has now offered a different explanation.
According to the management, the facility was originally booked on October 7 by the Nigeria Institute of Healthcare Givers and Medical Social Work Practitioners for a national meeting and conference, not a political rally.
The company said it became concerned on October 28 when decoration materials associated with a political party arrived at the premises, describing the development as a violation of the booking agreement.
It explained that the booking was subsequently cancelled under a contractual provision allowing the venue to stop events that do not comply with the agreed terms.
However, the management said it later permitted the gathering to proceed as a youth town hall meeting featuring Peter Obi in order to prevent a possible breach of peace.
The event centre also firmly denied receiving any instruction, directly or indirectly, from Governor Mbah or any government official to stop the NDC from using the facility.
Governor Mbah had earlier dismissed allegations that he ordered the withdrawal of the venue, describing the accusation as false.
The controversy has raised fresh questions about opposition parties’ access to venues and the challenges of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For now, the venue’s explanation and the governor’s denial present a different account from the political interference allegations initially raised by the NDC.
What is your take? Was this simply a disagreement over booking terms, or do you believe political parties should receive stronger guarantees that their events will not be disrupted?
Drop your comments below.
