NDC Accuses APC of Blocking Campaign Venues, Billboards Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of frustrating its preparations for the 2027 general elections by allegedly obstructing access to event venues and billboards.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the allegation during an interview on ARISE TV, insisting that the NDC would not be intimidated or prevented from exercising its democratic rights. He said the party had encountered difficulties securing venues despite making payments, describing its latest proposed location as the fourth it had attempted to use.

“This is the fourth venue we are paying for,” Director said, alleging that individuals claiming ownership of the latest venue had contacted the organisers and told them to take back their money. He also claimed that the party had been denied access to billboards intended to support its campaign activities. The allegations have not been independently established.

Director maintained that the party would proceed with its planned engagements despite the reported challenges, arguing that no individual or political organisation had exclusive ownership of Nigeria or the country’s democratic space.

He also rejected suggestions that the NDC had started its campaign preparations late. According to him, the party’s presidential candidate had already held at least four town hall meetings across the country, with engagements across the geopolitical zones nearing completion. He said the party’s approach focused on direct interaction with voters rather than campaigns centred mainly on rallies and entertainment.

The NDC was scheduled to inaugurate its national campaign council, commission its newly acquired national secretariat in Jabi, Abuja, and present certificates of return to its candidates. Director said the certificates formed part of the party’s formal processes and that its candidates had already been uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s portal.

The spokesman also announced plans for the party to publicly present a statement of its finances, challenging the APC to disclose its own financial records. He defended the NDC’s anti-defection oath as an attempt to address party switching and said members dissatisfied with the outcome of primaries were entitled to seek redress in court. He further dismissed allegations that the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, was working for the ruling party, describing the claims as baseless.

The APC rejected the NDC’s allegations, with an official who spoke anonymously questioning the lack of specific details about the alleged restrictions. The official asked which state or ministry had denied the party access to facilities and dismissed the claims as baseless. The competing statements leave the dispute over the alleged venue and billboard restrictions unresolved as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.