The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition politics by frustrating its meetings and restricting its access to event venues in Abuja.
The party alleged that some hotels in the Federal Capital Territory repeatedly denied it the use of their facilities after initially accepting its bookings, claiming the decisions were influenced by external pressure.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., the NDC said the development was a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and called on the ruling party to allow all political parties to campaign freely.
According to the party, Rockview Hotel cancelled its reservation twice after earlier agreeing to host NDC meetings.
The statement said the first incident occurred ahead of the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in June 2026, while another planned meeting was also cancelled at the last minute.
The NDC claimed the hotel informed the party that the decision was based on “orders from above.”
The party also alleged that BON Hotel in Wuse, Abuja, declined to host one of its meetings despite the party meeting all the conditions required for the booking.
The statement further claimed that the unveiling of the party’s National Campaign Council also faced similar challenges after the venue management allegedly attempted to refund the payment already made.
According to the statement, “At the last minute, our host called the party to refund the payment made, saying they were no longer interested in making their facilities available, perhaps based on threats and orders from above.”
The party said it insisted on using the venue because payment had already been made, adding that the event eventually went ahead.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the NDC stated, “This is not democracy. The APC should allow all parties to campaign without let or hindrance, and give Nigerians the opportunity to make their choice on who governs them.”
The opposition party also appealed to Nigerians to condemn what it described as discriminatory actions by some hotels.
It said, “We implore all well meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy to call out Rockview and BON Hotel for their anti-people and anti-democratic actions.”
The NDC maintained that Nigerians deserve a better political environment and reaffirmed its commitment to offering what it described as patriotic leadership.
The statement concluded: “Nigerians deserve better, and NDC is prepared to serve with passion and patriotism. A New Nigeria is POssible! We can do it.”
The allegations come as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties raising concerns over what they describe as shrinking democratic space. However, the APC and the hotels mentioned in the statement had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
