Amadeo Event Centre Explains NDC Event Controversy, Denies Enugu Govt Interference

The management of Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, has denied claims that it prevented the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) from using its facility for a political event, insisting that the dispute arose from an alleged breach of a booking agreement.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the management said the facility was initially booked by Dr Sabastine Chuks Ezeh, Registrar of the Nigeria Institute of Healthcare Givers and Medical Social Work Practitioners, for a national meeting and conference scheduled for October 15, 2026.

According to the statement, the booking was made on October 7, while Dr Ezeh subsequently submitted a letter of cancellation and refund request on October 13.

The management explained that the client later withdrew the cancellation request, stating that the association intended to postpone the event rather than cancel it.

It said the new date of October 29 was confirmed on October 23, with arrangements made for decorations to commence on October 28.

However, Amadeo Event Centre said it discovered on the morning of October 28 that the decoration materials brought to the premises were intended for a political party rather than the association that had booked the facility.

The management described the development as a violation of the terms and conditions of the booking agreement.

It cited Clause 17 of its terms and conditions, which it said reserves the right of management to stop activities, meetings or events that are not conducted in accordance with the facility’s rules and applicable regulatory requirements.

The management said it subsequently notified the client of the cancellation of the facility’s approval for the event.

It further claimed that officials and candidates of the NDC later arrived at the premises with security personnel, expressing surprise at what it described as a change in the identity of the client and the nature of the event.

Despite the disagreement, the management said it eventually allowed the gathering to proceed to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

According to the statement, the organisers informed management that the event would be a youth town hall meeting featuring Mr Peter Obi.

Venue Denies Booking by Political Party

Amadeo Event Centre maintained that no political party booked its facility for the October 29 event, insisting that the only booking for the date was made by the healthcare practitioners’ association for a national meeting and conference.

The management also described the centre as a non-partisan venue, stating that its policy since inception had been to decline requests to use its facilities for political purposes.

It denied seeking police intervention to stop the gathering, explaining that the officers seen in viral videos were security escorts accompanying political aspirants who arrived at the premises after the cancellation notice had been issued.

Management Denies Enugu Government’s Involvement

The event centre also dismissed suggestions that the Enugu State Government was involved in the controversy.

According to the management, the state government played no role in the matter, adding that it received no instruction, directly or indirectly, from any government official regarding the event.

It attributed the public controversy surrounding the incident to what it described as a partisan interpretation of the matter amid the current political season.

The management reaffirmed its commitment to providing a venue for peaceful and lawful gatherings, including academic, social, religious and corporate events.

The controversy has attracted attention on social media, with discussions focusing on the circumstances surrounding the planned gathering, the cancellation notice and the presence of security personnel at the facility.