By Patrick Idowu
The planned unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a unified platform for Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections was abruptly disrupted on Wednesday after the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Abuja, cancelled the fully paid venue reservation just hours before the event.
Organisers were informed early Wednesday that the event could no longer be held at the hotel due to an unspecified “internal compliance matter.”
The unveiling was meant to formally present the ADC as the flagship coalition party to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
A message from the hotel, shared by media personality and politician Dele Momodu, read in part:
“Due to an internal compliance matter that has just come to our attention, we are unable to proceed with hosting your scheduled event… We deeply apologise for the timing and inconvenience this may cause.”
The last-minute cancellation sparked outrage from opposition leaders, who alleged political pressure.
Momodu accused APC operatives of intimidating the hotel management, describing the move as “a desperate attempt to stifle opposition voices.”
In a separate statement, Salihu Lukman of People and Passion Consult Ltd, slammed the hotel’s decision as a breach of contract.
“Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract that was validly agreed to and fully paid for,” he stated.
The event was expected to feature top political heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, Sam Egwu, and key figures from other parties like Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi.
Despite the setback, organisers vowed to press on with the coalition’s agenda, insisting that attempts to silence the opposition will only strengthen their resolve.
