The Nigeria Democratic Congress has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and suppress opposition parties through alleged intimidation and discrimination by hospitality businesses in Abuja.
The party also alleged that some hotels in the Federal Capital Territory had withdrawn their facilities from its meetings at the last minute, allegedly following directives from unnamed individuals.
In a press release issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said it had faced repeated cancellations by hotels despite meeting the requirements for using their facilities.
The party specifically accused Rockview Hotel, Abuja, of cancelling its agreement to host the NDC’s second National Executive Committee meeting in June 2026.
It said the hotel had also recently declined to provide its facilities for another meeting, allegedly citing an “order from above.”
The NDC further alleged that BON Hotel, Wuse, Abuja, refused to make its facilities available for a meeting despite the party fulfilling all the conditions stipulated by the hotel.
The party said the unveiling of its National Campaign Council was also affected by what it described as last-minute pressure from the hospitality industry.
According to the statement, the hotel initially agreed to host the event but later requested a refund of the payment made, saying it was no longer interested in providing the venue.
The NDC, however, said its insistence on using the facility it had paid for eventually compelled the hotel to allow the event to proceed.
“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 read.
The opposition party called on Nigerians and supporters of democracy to condemn the alleged actions of Rockview Hotel and BON Hotel, describing their conduct as anti-democratic.
The NDC maintained that Nigerians deserved better governance, adding that it was prepared to serve the country with “passion and patriotism.”
“A New Nigeria is possible! We can do it,” the party added.
