The planned unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the coalition platform for Nigeria’s major opposition parties hit a stumbling block on Wednesday following a last-minute cancellation by the event venue in Abuja.
The programme, scheduled to hold at the upscale Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, was meant to formally present ADC as the flagship platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, with less than 24 hours to kickoff, the hotel management pulled the plug on the event, citing “an internal compliance matter.” A notice from the hotel, shared online by media personality and politician Dele Momodu, apologised for the inconvenience but failed to give concrete reasons.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The abrupt cancellation has sparked outrage from opposition figures, with Momodu alleging that the decision was politically motivated. “The intimidation of opposition by a jittery government continues,” he said, hinting that the hotel’s management feared backlash from APC officials.
Salihu Lukman, speaking for People and Passion Consult Ltd, which handled arrangements for the unveiling, accused the hotel of breaching a fully paid contract. “This is unacceptable,” Lukman said. “Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract validly agreed to and fully paid for.”
Notwithstanding the reverse, organisers are in no doubt the unveiling will proceed. ADC launch has promised to attract political big wigs like Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, among others.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi are also said to be included in the offer of coalition.
The opposition leaders affirm that the coalition is a new attempt to take back power from the APC and present Nigerians with what they say is a credible alternative in 2027.
In spite of the setback, organisers affirm that the movement is on track and unperturbed