A major political event scheduled to unveil the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a unifying platform for Nigeria’s opposition suffered a setback on Wednesday after the management of Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, abruptly cancelled the fully paid booking for the venue.
The event, aimed at launching the ADC as the rallying point for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, was called off just hours before it was to begin.
Organisers were informed early Wednesday that the venue could no longer host the gathering due to an “internal compliance matter.”
A screenshot of the hotel’s message, shared by media personality and politician Dele Momodu via Instagram, 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 last-minute cancellation triggered strong condemnation from opposition leaders. Dele Momodu pointed fingers at the ruling party, alleging political pressure behind the hotel’s decision.
“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 by the Management of the hotel due to what insiders described as fear of reprisals from APC operatives. But this will not dampen the daredevil determination of opposition forces who are poised to hotly challenge the ruling party,” Momodu wrote.
Adding to the backlash, Salihu Lukman, who issued a statement 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,” Lukman stated.
Despite the setback, organisers quickly moved to secure a new venue for the unveiling.
The event was expected to feature a coalition of top opposition figures across party lines, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, Sam Egwu, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
