The unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the flagship platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections was abruptly halted on Wednesday following a last-minute cancellation by the event venue.
The event, slated to take place at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, was intended to officially announce the ADC’s adoption as the main opposition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, just hours before commencement, organisers were informed by the hotel that the reservation would no longer be honoured due to what was described as an “internal compliance matter.”
A message shared on Instagram by media mogul and politician Dele Momodu included the hotel’s notice:
“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 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 abrupt cancellation has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Momodu accused the ruling APC of exerting pressure behind the scenes, suggesting the government was afraid of the growing coalition momentum.
“This is intimidation of opposition by a jittery government,”
he alleged, while insisting that such tactics would not derail the coalition’s efforts to mount a formidable challenge in 2027.
Salihu Lukman, representing People and Passion Consult Ltd, the event’s organiser, condemned the hotel’s decision and demanded that the terms of the agreement be honoured.
“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract 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 be held with full compliments of all the services agreed to. This is not negotiable.”
The high-profile unveiling was expected to feature major political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.
Other political heavyweights reportedly involved in the coalition include Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition has shifted the venue of its much-anticipated unveiling after the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja abruptly cancelled the event less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to begin.
In a statement signed by the ADC’s Deputy National Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, the coalition confirmed that the unveiling will now hold at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, and is scheduled to commence at 2:00 pm.
Ukandu also noted that the event will be attended by members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and other influential stakeholders, all on a self-sponsored basis.
The sudden cancellation by Wells Carlton Hotel sparked criticism from opposition figures.
The hotel had claimed an “internal compliance matter” as the reason for the withdrawal. A notice shared publicly by media personality and politician Dele Momodu quoted the hotel’s message:
“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.”
Momodu, reacting to the situation, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating interference to frustrate the coalition’s momentum.
“The intimidation of opposition by a jittery government continues as 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.”
Also reacting, Salihu Lukman, speaking on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, the event organiser, denounced the hotel’s action as a clear violation of a legally binding agreement.
“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract validly and legally agreed to and fully paid for,”
he said.
“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.”
The unveiling is expected to bring together heavyweight political figures across party lines, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.
Others said to be involved include Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
