Samuel Omang
The formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the central coalition platform for Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections suffered a dramatic setback on Wednesday, after the management of Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Asokoro, abruptly cancelled a fully paid reservation for the event venue.
The high-profile event, which was scheduled to host top opposition figures across political lines, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and other prominent politicians, was called off just hours before commencement, reportedly due to an “internal compliance matter.”
The hotel’s sudden reversal sparked widespread outrage among coalition organisers and opposition stakeholders. A screenshot of the hotel’s cancellation message, shared on Instagram by media personality and politician Dele Momodu, read:
“Dear Esteemed Patron, Thank you once again for choosing the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments…”
Momodu, in a scathing post, alleged that the move was part of a broader pattern of intimidation orchestrated by a “jittery government” seeking to frustrate opposition activities.
“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… due to what insiders described as fear of reprisals from APC operatives,” he wrote.
Despite the setback, Momodu vowed that the coalition’s resolve remains firm:
“But this will not dampen the daredevil determination of opposition forces who are poised to hotly challenge the ruling party.”
A statement by Salihu Lukman, issued on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, accused the hotel of violating a legally binding agreement:
“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.”
The unveiling of the ADC was expected to symbolise a turning point for Nigeria’s fractured opposition, with political heavyweights such as Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, Sam Egwu, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi reportedly part of the new coalition drive.
Though the event was stalled, coalition leaders insist the momentum for a united front against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 remains undeterred.
As of press time, neither the hotel nor APC had officially responded to the allegations.
