Politicians from major opposition parties gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday for a high-profile media conference organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite an earlier venue setback that nearly derailed the unveiling of the much-anticipated opposition coalition.
The event, seen as a major strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, drew top political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, and Dino Melaye, former senator.
Other prominent attendees include Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Dele Momodu, media personality and PDP stalwart, Gabriel Suswam, former senator from Benue, and Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party.
Also present were Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State, and Emeka Ihedioha, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
“The movement to unite Nigeria’s opposition into a strong and viable alternative has officially begun,” said a source familiar with the conference’s agenda.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party (LP) were all represented, as the coalition aims to form a united front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The former Senate President David Mark led members of the coalition into the venue, while Rauf Aregbesola, former Osun State governor, arrived in his capacity as interim national chairman of the ADC. Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State governor, was also in attendance.
Last-Minute Venue Drama
Earlier in the day, the coalition’s unveiling suffered a last-minute disruption when Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, abruptly canceled the event, citing an “internal compliance matter.” The announcement triggered outrage online after Dele Momodu shared a screenshot of the cancellation notice on his Instagram page.
“The decision came without warning and nearly sabotaged months of planning,” a coalition insider revealed.
However, the organizers quickly secured a new venue at the Yar’Adua Centre, enabling the event to proceed as planned, albeit with a delayed start.
As the event continues, expectations remain high for an official declaration of the coalition’s political platform, interim leadership, and strategic goals, particularly in response to mounting discontent over governance and economic hardship across Nigeria.