APC Dismisses NDC Allegations of Blocking Campaign Venues, Billboards

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that it is frustrating the opposition party’s campaign preparations by preventing it from securing event venues and billboard spaces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the allegations during an interview on ARISE Television, claiming that the party had encountered repeated difficulties in securing venues despite making payments.

Director said the party had attempted to secure four different venues for its planned activities, with the latest arrangement allegedly disrupted shortly after the party announced its plans publicly.

He claimed that the party was contacted and asked to collect its money back after individuals allegedly asserted ownership of the latest venue. He described the reported incidents as attempts to restrict the NDC’s political activities and said the party would not be intimidated.

The NDC spokesman maintained that the party would continue with its programmes despite the challenges, insisting that every political organisation had the right to assemble, campaign and participate in the democratic process.

Reacting to the allegations, an APC official, who spoke anonymously, dismissed the claims as baseless and questioned the absence of specific details about the alleged obstruction.

The official asked the NDC to identify the state, ministry or government agency allegedly responsible for denying it access to facilities, arguing that the party had not provided sufficient information to warrant a response from the ruling party.

The APC therefore declined to engage further with the accusation, challenging the NDC to provide verifiable details to support its claims.

The dispute comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties seeking to establish their presence through public engagements, campaign materials and other forms of voter outreach.

Access to venues and advertising spaces has become a point of contention in some areas, as political parties seek visibility and prepare to communicate their messages to voters.

The NDC has maintained that it will proceed with its campaign activities despite the alleged restrictions, while the APC has questioned the evidence supporting the accusations.

No independent evidence establishing the alleged involvement of the APC in the reported venue difficulties was provided in the available account.