In a dramatic turn of events, the highly anticipated unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new political platform for Nigeria’s rising opposition coalition has been relocated to the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja after the original venue, Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, abruptly pulled out just hours before the event.
The political gathering, which promises to reshape the 2027 electoral landscape, is now scheduled to hold by 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the new location, according to a statement signed by ADC’s Deputy National Secretary, Nkem Ukandu.
“All members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, as well as key stakeholders and members, are expected to attend. Please note that attendance is self-sponsored,” the statement added.
The last-minute withdrawal by Wells Carlton Hotel has triggered a firestorm of controversy, with many accusing the establishment of bowing to political pressure. The hotel management cited an “internal compliance matter” as the reason for the abrupt cancellation of a fully paid, confirmed reservation.
A screenshot of the hotel’s message shared on Instagram by media mogul and opposition figure, Dele Momodu, 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 deeply apologise for the timing and inconvenience this may cause.”
Reacting swiftly, Dele Momodu described the development as a “clear case of state-backed intimidation and political sabotage.”
> “The intimidation of the opposition by a jittery government continues,” he said. “The hotel’s management backed out due to fears of reprisals from APC operatives. But this cowardly act will not dampen the daredevil determination of opposition forces ready to challenge the ruling party head-on.”
Similarly, Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain now allied with the coalition, condemned the hotel’s action, calling it a breach of a legally binding contract. Writing on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, Lukman stated:
> “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 the full range of services agreed upon. This is not negotiable.”
Despite the setback, the opposition coalition has powered ahead, unveiling ADC as its new political vehicle and nominating former Senate President David Mark as protem national chairman. Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named protem national secretary in what is being touted as a formidable regrouping of political heavyweights.
The dramatic announcement emerged from a high-level strategy meeting late Tuesday night, signalling the birth of a broad coalition determined to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Among the political juggernauts present were:
Peter Obi – Former Labour Party presidential candidate
Rotimi Amaechi – Ex-Minister of Transportation and former Rivers Governor
Nasir El-Rufai – Former Governor of Kaduna State
John Odigie-Oyegun – Former APC National Chairman
Liyel Imoke – Former Cross River State Governor
Abubakar Malami – Ex-Attorney General of the Federation
Aminu Tambuwal – Former House Speaker and ex-Governor of Sokoto State
With the unveiling now set to go ahead at the Yar’Adua Centre, all eyes are on the coalition’s next moves, as political tremors begin to shake Nigeria’s power corridors.
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