A significant setback befell the planned unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a unified opposition platform on Wednesday, when the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, abruptly cancelled the booking for the event venue just hours before the scheduled programme. The event was intended to formally introduce the ADC as the opposition coalition’s platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Organisers had secured and fully paid for the venue, anticipating a high-profile gathering of opposition political heavyweights. However, on Wednesday morning, the hotel informed the organisers that they could no longer host the event due to an unspecified “internal compliance matter.” The sudden cancellation came less than 24 hours before the event was set to commence.
A screenshot of the hotel’s message, shared by media personality and politician Dele Momodu on his Instagram page, 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 abrupt decision has triggered sharp criticism from opposition figures, who suspect political interference. Dele Momodu alleged that the cancellation was driven by intimidation from the ruling party. “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,” Momodu wrote.
In a statement appended to Momodu’s post, Salihu Lukman, representing People and Passion Consult Ltd—the event organisers—condemned the hotel’s action as a breach of contract. “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 contractl,” Lukman stated firmly.
The unveiling event was expected to attract a constellation of Nigeria’s prominent political leaders from 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. Other notable figures reportedly involved were Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
This development raises questions about the political climate ahead of the 2027 elections and the challenges opposition parties face in uniting against the incumbent government. Okay.ng reports that the opposition coalition remains undeterred, vowing to proceed with their plans despite the setback.
