A highly anticipated event to unveil the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a new unifying political platform for Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections was abruptly disrupted on Wednesday, following the sudden cancellation of the venue just hours before the programme was scheduled to commence.
The unveiling, set to take place at the prestigious Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, was expected to mark a significant step in consolidating opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, organisers were informed early Wednesday that the hotel would no longer host the event, citing an unspecified “internal compliance matter”.
A message from the hotel, shared on Instagram by media personality and politician Dele Momodu, read:
“Dear Esteemed Patron, Thank you once again for choosing the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments. We sincerely regret to inform you that due to an internal compliance matter that has just come to our attention, we are unable to proceed with hosting your scheduled event.
We are fully aware that the event is less than 24 hours away, and we deeply apologise for the timing and inconvenience this may cause.”
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The sudden reversal has drawn strong condemnation from opposition figures, with Momodu alleging political interference and intimidation by the ruling party.
“The intimidation of opposition by a jittery government continues,” he wrote.
“The booking of a venue for the unveiling of the adopted party, ADC, by the coalition has been unilaterally and suddenly cancelled by the management of the hotel due to what insiders described as fear of reprisals from APC operatives.
But this will not dampen the daredevil determination of opposition forces who are poised to hotly challenge the ruling party.”
Salihu Lukman, speaking on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, which coordinated the event, condemned the hotel’s action as a breach of contract.
In a statement included in Momodu’s post, Lukman demanded that the hotel fulfil the terms of the agreement.
“This is unacceptable. 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 by allowing the event to hold with full compliments of all the services agreed to. This is not negotiable,” he stated.
The unveiling of the ADC was anticipated to bring together several high-profile political figures from across the spectrum, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.
Also reportedly involved in the coalition-building efforts were Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi suggesting a rare moment of unity among typically rival political actors.
While the hotel has yet to offer further clarification on the nature of the “compliance matter”, the timing of the cancellation has fuelled speculation of political pressure aimed at thwarting opposition momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Despite the setback, organisers say they remain undeterred and are already exploring alternative arrangements for the event.
