ADC coalition announces new venue after hotel cancellation

African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition has found a new venue for launching its political platform, hours after its first booking was suddenly cancelled by Abuja-based hotel.

The coalition of frontline opposition leaders contesting the 2027 elections from removing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power confirmed this Tuesday that the event will now be held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, by 2:00 pm.

The venue was shifted after Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro suddenly withdrew, citing “internal compliance issues” as the justification for cancelling the originally reserved event.

In a statement published on social media by coalition member and publisher, Dele Momodu, the hotel told organisers it would not hold the event, despite earlier confirmation and payment.

“We are intimately aware that the event is within less than 24 hours, and we sincerely regret the timing and inconveniences that this could possibly cause,” the hotel stated.

The announcement elicited anger in hordes among opposition ranks, whose leaders interpreted many as branding the move politically motivated.

Nonetheless, in a hasty reaction, the coalition issued a statement by its Deputy National Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, announcing the new venue.

“Members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders are invited to attend,” it declared.

It also explained that all who would attend would pay for themselves: “Please note that attendance is self-sponsored.”

The event is part of a broader attempt by the opposition to unite and demonstrate collective will against President Bola Tinubu and the APC ruling party. The coalition has high-profile statesmen like Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Sule Lamido, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola.

The move was undertaken in the face of internal resistance in the ADC, where part of the party resisted its adoption as the coalition’s platform, accusing party elites of “selling out” without taking the necessary steps.

Apart from the controversy, the coalition has promised to continue with its agenda in galvanizing opposition voices and organising for the 2027 general elections.