Efforts to officially launch the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the unifying platform for Nigeria’s major opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections were unexpectedly disrupted on Wednesday, following a sudden withdrawal by the intended venue in Abuja.
The high-profile event was initially scheduled to take place at the prestigious Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in the upscale Asokoro district of the Federal Capital Territory.
It was intended to serve as the formal unveiling of the ADC as the flagship vehicle for a grand opposition coalition poised to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections.
However, less than 24 hours before the event, the hotel management abruptly cancelled the booking. In a statement that quickly circulated online—shared by media entrepreneur and opposition politician Dele Momodu—the hotel cited “an internal compliance matter” as the reason for the cancellation. The notice expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but offered no specific explanation for the decision.
“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,” read the hotel’s terse message.
The sudden move has provoked sharp reactions from several opposition stakeholders, many of whom believe the cancellation was politically motivated.
Dele Momodu condemned the hotel’s decision, describing it as yet another sign of state-backed intimidation of the opposition. He suggested that the hotel may have been pressured to back out by powerful interests within the ruling party.
“The intimidation of opposition by a jittery government continues,” Momodu stated, implying that the management was compelled to cancel out of fear of possible backlash from APC-aligned figures.
Salihu Lukman, speaking on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd—the event planning firm responsible for organizing the unveiling—also expressed strong disapproval of the hotel’s action. He accused the hotel of breaching a binding agreement.
“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract validly agreed to and fully paid for,” Lukman said in a press statement.
Despite the setback, the coalition’s organizers remain undeterred. They insist the event will go ahead at an alternative venue, and preparations are continuing as planned. According to insiders, the unveiling is expected to attract several prominent political figures.
Those anticipated to grace the event include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors such as Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Sam Egwu, and Liyel Imoke.
Sources also hint that former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, as well as former APC heavyweights like Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, are being courted as part of the broader coalition arrangement.
According to coalition leaders, this alliance aims to offer Nigerians a credible and united opposition platform capable of reclaiming power from the APC in 2027. They maintain that despite the interference, the movement remains strong, focused, and determined to deliver a viable alternative to the electorate.
“We are moving forward. This is just a hurdle, not a defeat,” one of the organizers concluded.
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