Plans by a coalition of prominent Nigerian opposition politicians to unveil the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a new platform for challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections suffered a dramatic setback on Wednesday, following a last-minute cancellation of the event venue in Abuja.

The unveiling ceremony, which was scheduled to take place at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in the upscale Asokoro district of Abuja, was abruptly called off just hours before its commencement, despite a fully paid reservation for the facility.

In what has been described as a “politically motivated disruption,” organisers of the event were informed on Wednesday morning that the hotel would no longer be able to host the programme, citing an unspecified “internal compliance matter.”

A message reportedly sent to the event planners by the hotel management 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 content of the message was made public by media personality and politician, Dele Momodu, who shared a screenshot of the notice via his official Instagram page. The post was immediately met with outrage by opposition figures and civil society observers, who viewed the cancellation as a deliberate attempt to frustrate efforts to unite opposition forces under a common political vehicle.

Momodu did not mince words in his reaction, accusing operatives of the ruling party of intimidation and sabotage.

“The intimidation of the 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,” he wrote.

“But this will not dampen the daredevil determination of opposition forces who are poised to hotly challenge the ruling party.”

Also reacting to the development was Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain and political strategist, who issued a strongly worded statement on behalf of the event planners, People and Passion Consult Ltd. He condemned the hotel’s action as a blatant breach of contract and accused the management of succumbing to political pressure.

“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 contract fully by allowing the event to hold with full compliments of all the services agreed to. This is not negotiable,” Lukman said.

The now-suspended event was expected to serve as a formal declaration of the ADC as the flagship party under which several leading opposition figures intend to unite ahead of the 2027 presidential election. It was also billed to mark the unveiling of a broad-based coalition platform positioned as an alternative to both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Among the high-profile political leaders expected at the event include; Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former Senate President David Mark, Former Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.

Sources close to the coalition revealed that the planned unveiling was a critical milestone in ongoing talks among opposition figures, many of whom are reportedly considering a political realignment that cuts across traditional party loyalties. According to insiders, the goal is to present a united front capable of mounting a serious challenge to the APC’s dominance in the next general elections.

Wednesday’s cancellation has, however, raised questions about the freedom of political association and assembly, with several analysts warning that the move could signal a shrinking democratic space under the current administration.

A constitutional lawyer, Barr. Ijeoma Okoye, in a reaction to the unfolding drama, stated:

“Regardless of the reasons cited by the hotel, this kind of abrupt cancellation — especially one so close to the event — raises concerns about coercion, fear, and the influence of partisan interests over civic rights.
If opposition groups are not allowed to meet and freely express themselves, then democracy is under threat.”

As at press time, organisers said alternative arrangements were being considered, and that the coalition’s activities would continue despite the temporary setback. A revised date for the ADC unveiling is expected to be announced in the coming days.

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