Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow Nigerians choose who governs them.
With Nigeria getting ready for the 2027 general elections, the NDC made the call via a statement issued from the office of the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq.
“The APC must allow all parties campaign without let or hindrance, and give Nigerians the opportunity to make their choice on who governs them,” Director said.
Director accused the ruling APC of orchestrating discrimination by Abuja hotels, including Rockview and BON Hotel, which canceled or refused NDC events like the National Executive Council (NEC) meetings and campaign council unveilings at the last minute.
The NDC described these incidents as part of a broader effort to constrict democratic space and muzzle opposition parties through alleged threats or “orders from above,” highlighting specific cases from June 2026 onward.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is sad to note that the desperate attempt to constrict the democratic space and muzzle the opposition is on the increase,” the statement read.
“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.
“On two occasions, Rockview Hotel in Abuja after agreeing to the use of their facilities for our meetings without genuine excuse cancelled the grant in the last minute of negotiation.
“The first time it happened was when at the last minute they rejected our request to hold our 2nd NEC meeting in June, 2026.
“Only recently, they refused our utilization of their facilities for a meeting saying it was order from above. Similarly, the BON Hotel, Wuse, Abuja bluntly refused our usage of their facilities for a meeting despite meeting all conditions placed on our path.
“Also, the recent unveiling of our National Campaign Council (NCC) did not happen without drama from the hospitality industry in Abuja.
“At the last minute, our host called the party to refund the payment made, saying they were no longer interested in making their facilities available, perhaps based on threats and orders from above.
“However, our refusal to bulge inevitably compelled them to allow us the usage of the facility we have paid for.”
The statement urged the APC to permit unrestricted campaigning, called on Nigerians to condemn the hotels’ actions, and positioned the NDC as ready to offer passionate and patriotic governance.
“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,” Director added.
“In addition, we implore all well meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy to call out Rockview and BON Hotel for their anti-people and anti-democratic actions.
“Nigerians deserve better, and the NDC is prepared to serve with passion and patriotism. A New Nigeria is POssible! We can do it.”
