What was intended to mark the formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the major opposition platform for the 2027 elections was upended on Wednesday morning after the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja abruptly cancelled a fully paid reservation for the event.
The gathering, which was billed to showcase a new political coalition featuring high-profile figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator David Mark, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, was scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Asokoro-based luxury hotel founded by the late billionaire Capt. Hosa Okunbo.
However, in a last-minute message to organisers, the hotel, now managed by the late businessman’s heirs, announced its withdrawal, citing an ambiguous “internal compliance matter.”
“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 cancellation has triggered allegations of political interference, with opposition leaders accusing the APC-led federal government of working behind the scenes to sabotage the opposition’s unity efforts.
Media mogul Dele Momodu called it part of a broader campaign of “intimidation” aimed at derailing what he described as a rising opposition tide.In a formal protest letter, Salihu Lukman, writing on behalf of event organisers People and Passion Consult Ltd, demanded the hotel uphold its contractual obligations:
“This is unacceptable… 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 Wells Carlton Hotel has yet to issue any further clarification.
The ADC’s unveiling was expected to signal the start of a pan-opposition coalition, cutting across traditional party lines and including members of PDP, LP, and APC dissidents such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu. Also involved are Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi.
The unexpected disruption now raises concerns about freedom of association and political neutrality in Nigeria’s democratic space.
