ADC-Led Opposition Coalition Relocates Unveiling Event After Sudden Venue Cancellation

The coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a new venue for the official unveiling of its political platform, following the sudden cancellation of their original booking by the Wells Carlton Hotel.

In a statement signed by ADC Deputy National Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, the event will now take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

“Members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders are expected to attend. Please note that attendance is self-sponsored,” the statement read.

The change comes just hours after the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja, withdrew from hosting the high-profile event, citing an unspecified “internal compliance matter.”

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the event was aimed at formally launching the ADC as the primary political platform for a growing opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. The programme was expected to attract major political figures from across party lines.

However, on Wednesday morning, organisers were informed by the hotel that the venue would no longer be available, despite full payment having been made.

A message from the hotel, shared by opposition politician and media personality Dele Momodu on Instagram, stated:

“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.”

Reacting to the cancellation, Momodu condemned the move as politically motivated, calling it a form of state-backed intimidation.

“The intimidation of opposition by a jittery government continues,” he said, alleging that hotel management was pressured by APC operatives. “But this will not dampen the determination of opposition forces ready to challenge the ruling party.”

Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain now aligned with the opposition coalition, also criticized the hotel’s actions. Writing under the banner of People and Passion Consult Ltd, Lukman accused the hotel of breaching a legally binding contract.

“This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a valid and fully paid agreement,” he said.

Despite the setback, the coalition moved forward. On Tuesday night, opposition leaders formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their unified political platform.

They also announced former Senate President David Mark as the coalition’s protem national chairman and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as protem national secretary.

The decision followed a high-level strategy session involving prominent figures including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-APC National Chairman John Oyegun, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, and former Speaker of the House and ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

The move signals a major shift in the political landscape as opposition forces begin to consolidate ahead of the 2027 elections.