The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to restrict Nigeria's democratic space by pressuring hotels in Abuja to deny the opposition party access to their facilities. This allegation was made by the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, Esq., in a statement on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The party claims this is part of a larger effort to intimidate the opposition and limit its political activities.
According to the NDC, Rockview Hotel, Abuja, had twice withdrawn its agreement to host NDC meetings at the last minute. The first incident occurred in June 2026, when the hotel cancelled an arrangement for the party's second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Recently, the hotel declined another request, citing an instruction from above. The party also accused BON Hotel, Wuse, Abuja, of refusing to provide its facilities for a meeting, despite fulfilling all stipulated conditions.
The NDC alleged that the unveiling of its National Campaign Council (NCC) was nearly disrupted by a similar incident involving another hospitality facility in Abuja. The hotel management contacted the party at the last minute, requesting a refund of the payment made and indicating it was no longer interested in hosting the event. However, the party's insistence on proceeding with the arrangement compelled the hotel to honour the agreement.
The NDC expressed concern over these incidents, describing them as part of a growing pattern of discrimination against opposition parties by sections of the hospitality industry. The party stated that it has not only been a target of violent attacks by agents of the ruling APC but also a soft target of discrimination by hoteliers and the hospitality industry in Abuja.
The party called on the APC to allow all political parties to carry out their campaigns and other political activities without interference. The NDC insisted that Nigerians should be given the freedom to decide who governs them, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve better and that the NDC is prepared to serve with passion and patriotism.
The statement reaffirmed the party's commitment to its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. The NDC accused the APC of trying to shrink Nigeria's democratic space and urged for a fair and open political environment. The incidents have raised concerns about the level of political tolerance and fairness in the country.
The NDC's allegations have not been independently verified, but the party maintains that these actions are part of a broader attempt to undermine its activities. The party's concerns reflect a growing debate about the state of Nigeria's democracy and the challenges faced by opposition parties in exercising their political rights.
Key points
- NDC accuses APC of pressuring Abuja hotels to deny opposition meeting venues.
- Incidents involved Rockview Hotel and BON Hotel, Wuse, Abuja.
- NDC reaffirms commitment to political activities ahead of 2027 general elections.
