The official unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition platform for Nigeria’s opposition was abruptly disrupted on Wednesday after the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, cancelled the event just hours before its scheduled start.
The high-profile gathering was set to formally present the ADC as the political platform through which key opposition leaders plan to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
However, organisers were informed early Wednesday that the venue would no longer host the event due to an unspecified “internal compliance matter.”
A message shared by media personality and politician Dele Momodu on Instagram quoted the hotel: “Dear Esteemed Patron… due to an internal compliance matter that has just come to our attention, we are unable to proceed with hosting your scheduled event… We deeply apologise for the timing and inconvenience this may cause.”
The late cancellation has sparked outrage among opposition figures. Momodu accused the APC-led government of orchestrating the disruption, calling it “intimidation of opposition by a jittery government.” He stressed that the move would not weaken the coalition’s resolve.
Salihu Lukman, representing People and Passion Consult Ltd, organisers of the event, slammed the hotel’s action as a contractual violation.
“This is unacceptable,” Lukman stated. “Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract validly and legally agreed to and fully paid for. You must meet the terms of the contract fully… This is not negotiable.”
The unveiling was expected to bring together influential political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.
The coalition, seen as a potential game-changer ahead of 2027, has already attracted widespread public interest and political reactions across the country.
