By Ghazali Ibrahim
A major unveiling event for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the unified platform of Nigeria’s opposition coalition suffered a dramatic setback on Wednesday after the original venue abruptly cancelled a fully paid reservation just hours before the programme was due to begin.
The high-profile event, scheduled to hold at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, was abruptly called off by the hotel management citing an internal compliance matter.
A screenshot of the cancellation message, shared by media personality and politician Dele Momodu on Instagram, expressed deep regret over the last-minute decision.
“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 hotel stated.
The unexpected move triggered immediate backlash from opposition leaders, who accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the cancellation through behind-the-scenes pressure.
“The intimidation of the opposition by a jittery government continues,” said Momodu.
“The hotel management suddenly cancelled the event due to what insiders described as fear of reprisals from APC operatives. But this will not dampen the determination of opposition forces poised to challenge the ruling party.”
Salihu Lukman, speaking on behalf of the event’s organisers, People and Passion Consult Ltd, condemned the action as a breach of contract.
“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract that was validly and legally agreed to and fully paid for,” Lukman said in a protest letter.
“You must meet the terms of the contract fully by allowing the event to hold with all agreed services. This is not negotiable.”
The unveiling was meant to formalise the ADC’s adoption as the opposition’s new political platform, following a high-level meeting on Tuesday night.
At the meeting, former Senate President David Mark was named interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was appointed interim national secretary.
The meeting drew prominent opposition figures from across Nigeria’s political landscape, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, former AGF Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, former House Speaker and ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and political heavyweight Kashim Imam, among others.
Despite the disruption, the organisers have since secured the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja as the new venue for the event, with proceedings expected to continue as scheduled.
The incident underscores growing tensions as the opposition coalition gears up to mount a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections.
