Plans to unveil the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a united opposition platform ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections were abruptly disrupted on Wednesday after the event venue, Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, canceled the fully paid booking just hours before the scheduled start.
The event was intended to formally present the ADC as the coalition’s chosen political vehicle to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.
However, on Wednesday morning, organizers were notified that the hotel would no longer host the gathering, citing an unspecified “internal compliance matter.”
A screenshot of the hotel’s cancellation message, shared on Instagram by media mogul and politician Dele Momodu, read:
“Dear Esteemed Patron, thank you for choosing the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments. We regret to inform you that due to an internal compliance issue that has just come to our attention, we are unable to host your scheduled event. We understand the short notice and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”
The sudden cancellation has triggered outrage among opposition leaders, with Dele Momodu alleging that the move was politically motivated.
“The intimidation of opposition parties by a nervous ruling government persists. The hotel abruptly canceled the event, allegedly fearing backlash from APC operatives,” Momodu wrote. “But this will not deter the opposition’s bold resolve to mount a serious challenge.”
In a separate statement included in Momodu’s post, Salihu Lukman, speaking on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, condemned the hotel’s action as a breach of contract.
“This is completely unacceptable. The hotel has no legal right to sabotage a valid agreement that was fully paid for. We demand that the contract be honored in full, along with all agreed-upon services. This is non-negotiable,” Lukman stated.
The highly anticipated event was expected to draw key political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.
Others reportedly involved in the coalition include Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
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