ABUJA: The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly creating obstacles for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, following claims that some hotels in Abuja have repeatedly denied it access to their facilities for political meetings.
The party said the alleged actions amounted to an attempt to frustrate opposition activities and limit the democratic space, urging the APC to allow all political parties to operate and campaign freely without hindrance.
The NDC made its position known in a statement published on its official X account on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in which it detailed what it described as repeated incidents of discrimination by hotels in the nation’s capital.
According to the party, one hotel, whose identity it declined to disclose, cancelled agreements for the use of its facilities on two occasions, including arrangements for its second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 2026.
It alleged that the hotel recently rejected another request to use its facilities, reportedly claiming that the decision was based on instructions from an undisclosed authority.
The opposition party further claimed that another hotel refused to make its facilities available for a scheduled meeting despite the party having fulfilled the conditions stipulated for the booking.
NDC Alleges Attempt to Disrupt Campaign Council Unveiling
The party also alleged that its recent unveiling of the National Campaign Council was almost disrupted after the management of the venue reportedly asked it to collect a refund of the payment already made.
According to the NDC, the venue management indicated that it was no longer willing to provide the facility for the event.
However, the party said it stood its ground and insisted on proceeding with the arrangement, having already paid for the venue. It claimed that its insistence eventually compelled the hotel to honour the agreement.
The NDC described the alleged incidents as troubling developments that could undermine political participation and create an unfavourable environment for opposition parties seeking to engage Nigerians ahead of the next general elections.
Reacting to the situation, the party declared: “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.”
Party Calls for Protection of Democratic Space
The NDC called on Nigerians, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to condemn what it described as anti-democratic practices by the hotels involved.
It maintained that political parties should be able to organise meetings, hold consultations, unveil campaign structures and communicate their programmes to the electorate without facing unnecessary restrictions.
The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to serving Nigerians with passion and patriotism.
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with opposition groups expected to expand their political engagements, grassroots mobilisation and campaign activities across the country.
As of the time of reporting, the APC and the hotels accused by the NDC had not issued any public response to the allegations
