A major political shift took place in Abuja on Wednesday as prominent Nigerian political leaders across party lines officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their unified platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The unveiling, which was initially scheduled to hold at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, was abruptly relocated to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre after the hotel cancelled the fully paid booking, citing an unspecified internal compliance issue.
Among the high-profile figures backing the coalition are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and former House Speaker and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
In a statement signed by ADC Deputy National Secretary Nkem Ukandu, the event was rescheduled to hold at 2:00 PM at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. Key stakeholders, including members of the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and the National Executive Committee, were expected to be in attendance. Participation was to be self-sponsored.
The last-minute cancellation by Wells Carlton Hotel generated public criticism and accusations of political interference. Organisers and opposition figures claimed that the hotel management was pressured into backing out due to fear of repercussions from ruling party operatives. The cancellation came despite the booking being fully paid in advance.
Media personality and politician Dele Momodu described the incident as politically motivated sabotage, stating that the government was using intimidation to suppress opposition activities. He emphasized that the move would not deter the coalition’s resolve.
Salihu Lukman, a former APC leader now aligned with the opposition, also condemned the hotel’s action. Speaking on behalf of People and Passion Consult Ltd, he accused the hotel of breaching a valid agreement and undermining democratic engagement.
Despite the disruption, the coalition successfully unveiled its leadership, naming David Mark as protem national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as protem national secretary. The event marked a significant step in the coalition’s efforts to establish a strong, united front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next general election.
With the inclusion of political heavyweights from across Nigeria’s major parties, the coalition represents one of the most formidable opposition alliances in recent years. Analysts view the move as a strategic alignment intended to consolidate political influence and reframe the opposition narrative ahead of 2027.
