The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to restrict opposition activities through alleged pressure on hotels and hospitality businesses in Abuja.
The party claimed that some hotels had withdrawn agreements to provide venues for its meetings and political activities, alleging that the decisions were influenced by instructions or threats from unnamed authorities.
In a statement on Thursday, November 5, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said the alleged interference was part of a growing pattern of efforts to frustrate opposition parties and limit democratic participation in the country.
The party specifically named Rockview Hotel and BON Hotel in Abuja, accusing both establishments of denying it access to their facilities despite earlier agreements and compliance with stipulated conditions.
According to the NDC, Rockview Hotel cancelled arrangements for the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in June 2026 at the final stage of negotiations.
It alleged that the hotel recently turned down another request to use its facilities, claiming that the decision was based on an instruction from an unnamed authority.
The statement said: “Only recently, they refused our utilization of their facilities for a meeting saying it was order from above.”
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The party also accused BON Hotel, Wuse, Abuja, of refusing to accommodate one of its meetings despite its compliance with the hotel’s requirements.
The NDC further alleged that preparations for the unveiling of its National Campaign Council (NCC) were nearly disrupted after the venue provider reportedly asked the party to collect a refund for its payment at the last minute.
The party, however, said it insisted on using the facility after making the necessary payment, eventually securing access to the venue.
Explaining its concerns, the NDC said: “The NDC has not just been a target of violent attacks by agents of the ruling and ruinous APC, it has become a soft target of discrimination by hoteliers and the hospitality industry in Abuja.”
The opposition party described the alleged incidents as incompatible with democratic principles and called on the APC to allow political parties to conduct their campaigns and other activities without obstruction.
“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 statement added.
The NDC also urged Nigerians and supporters of democracy to publicly challenge what it described as anti-democratic conduct by Rockview Hotel and BON Hotel.
Reaffirming its commitment to its political ambitions, the party said Nigerians deserved better governance and insisted that it remained prepared to serve the country with patriotism and dedication.