NDC accuses APC of pressuring Abuja hotels to deny opposition meeting venues

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) claims the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is methodically narrowing political freedoms in Nigeria by coercing Abuja-based lodging establishments to refuse service to the opposition. In a statement released on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the NDC alleged that these actions are part of a broader campaign to intimidate opposition parties and hinder their political activities ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, detailed several incidents where hospitality businesses allegedly reversed previously agreed arrangements for NDC meetings at the last minute. Director stated that the NDC has faced not only violent attacks by agents of the ruling party but also discrimination from the hospitality industry in Abuja. He described the situation as an attempt to muzzle the opposition and prevent Nigerians from having a free choice in governance.

Background

According to the NDC’s statement, the first notable incident occurred in June 2026, when Rockview Hotel in Abuja cancelled an agreement to host the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The hotel reportedly withdrew its consent without providing a genuine excuse, doing so at the final stage of negotiations. More recently, the same hotel declined another request for the use of its facilities for a different meeting, citing an instruction from an unspecified higher authority as the reason for the refusal.

The party also pointed to BON Hotel in Wuse, Abuja, which allegedly refused to provide its facilities for an NDC meeting despite the party claiming it had met all stipulated conditions. Additionally, the NDC disclosed that the launch of its National Campaign Council (NCC) was almost derailed by a comparable incident at a different venue. In that instance, the venue's administrators reached out to the group shortly before the event, demanding a return of the funds paid and declaring they no longer wished to host the gathering. According to the NDC, their determination to move forward with the plans forced the establishment to respect the contract and permit the use of the space.

The NDC described these occurrences as an escalating trend of bias against opposition groups by certain segments of the accommodation sector. The group contended that such maneuvers contradict democratic norms and aim to impede the electoral efforts of rival parties. Director called on well-meaning Nigerians and advocates for democracy to highlight the actions of these establishments, describing them as anti-people and anti-democratic.

Why it matters

The allegations, if substantiated, raise significant concerns about the level of political freedom and fair competition in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. The NDC’s statement emphasizes that the party is prepared to serve with passion and patriotism and is committed to its political activities leading up to the 2027 general elections. The organization maintains that every political entity must be permitted to conduct its electioneering and related political operations free from obstruction or meddling.

The NDC urged the APC to stop what it described as desperate attempts to constrict democratic space. The party believes that Nigerians deserve the opportunity to make an informed choice about who governs them, free from external pressures or discriminatory practices by private sector entities allegedly influenced by the ruling party. The statement serves as a public appeal for transparency and fair treatment of all political actors in the lead-up to the next national elections.

What happens next

The NDC has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its political activities despite the alleged obstacles. The party has called for the APC to allow all parties to campaign without let or hindrance. While the statement does not specify legal actions or further diplomatic steps, it signals that the NDC will continue to document and publicize any further instances of discrimination or interference in its operations. The party remains focused on preparing for the 2027 general elections, asserting its readiness to engage with the electorate.