The formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the newly adopted platform for Nigeria’s main opposition coalition was abruptly disrupted on Wednesday after the event venue, Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, cancelled the fully paid reservation just hours before kickoff.
The event, scheduled to take place in the Nigerian capital, was aimed at introducing the ADC as the unified political vehicle for opposition figures across party lines ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the hotel pulled out of the agreement at the last minute, citing an unspecified “internal compliance matter.”
A message from the hotel, shared via 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.”
The sudden cancellation has sparked outrage among coalition members, who allege political interference as the underlying cause. Dele Momodu, a key figure in the movement, suggested that pressure from ruling party operatives may have influenced the hotel’s decision.
“The intimidation of the opposition by a jittery government continues,” Momodu said. “The hotel management suddenly cancelled the event due to what insiders described as fear of reprisals from APC operatives. But this will not dampen the determination of opposition forces poised to challenge the ruling party.”
Salihu Lukman, speaking on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, which organized the event, condemned the action as a breach of contract.
“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract that was validly and legally agreed to and fully paid for,” Lukman said.
“You must meet the terms of the contract fully by allowing the event to hold with all agreed services. This is not negotiable.”
The event was expected to attract high-profile political leaders, 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 effort are former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi — signaling a formidable opposition front likely to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
