By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 2, 2025 — The unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a new unifying political platform for Nigeria’s opposition suffered a major disruption on Wednesday, after Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, abruptly cancelled a fully paid reservation for the event.
The event, billed as a significant step toward forming a broad opposition front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, was scheduled to take place later in the day. However, organisers were notified just hours before kickoff that the hotel could no longer host the gathering due to an unspecified “internal compliance matter.”
A screenshot of the cancellation message was shared by prominent media personality and opposition figure Dele Momodu, who had been actively promoting the event.
The hotel’s message 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 abrupt cancellation sparked outrage among opposition leaders and civil society supporters, who described the move as politically motivated. Dele Momodu, in particular, alleged state-backed interference, claiming that powerful interests had pressured the hotel to pull out at the last minute to stifle democratic mobilization.
“This is nothing short of sabotage,” Momodu said in a statement on social media. “We paid in full. All logistics were in place. Now, just hours to kickoff, we’re being shut out without a valid reason.”
Organisers of the coalition event have vowed not to be deterred by the disruption, insisting that the unveiling of the ADC as an opposition platform will proceed at an alternative venue.
Meanwhile, neither the hotel nor relevant government authorities have issued a public explanation beyond the vague reference to an “internal compliance matter.”
The incident adds to growing concerns about shrinking civic space and political intimidation in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, with observers warning that such actions could erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
