2027: APC dismisses NDC’s allegation of blocking venues, billboards for campaign
By Omeiza Ajayi, Cynthia Alo & Kafayat Kokumo
ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of impeding its campaign efforts in advance of the 2027 general elections by allegedly restricting access to venues and billboards.
Osa Director, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, made these claims during an interview on ARISE TV on Tuesday, asserting that the party will not be intimidated and will continue to assert its democratic rights.
Director stated that the NDC has faced significant challenges securing event venues, despite having made payments. He noted that the party’s most recent venue was the fourth choice they had attempted to use for their planned activities.
“This is the fourth venue we are paying for. We kept this one under wraps until just a few hours ago when we issued the press release. Soon after, we were informed that the political marauders claimed ownership of the land and requested we retrieve our money,” he said.
Despite these allegations, Director emphasized that the NDC would persist with its scheduled activities, arguing that no individual or political party holds exclusive rights to the nation.
“Nigeria belongs to us all. Nobody owns Nigeria. We fought, using our lives, sweat, and blood, to secure the democracy we enjoy today. So who has the authority to tell me that I cannot exercise my freedom of speech and assembly?” he stated.
In addition to the venue issues, Director claimed that the party had also been denied access to billboards, but insisted such limitations would not hinder their efforts to reach voters.
Addressing concerns about the NDC’s readiness for the campaign, Director countered claims that the party was beginning its activities too late, stating that their presidential candidate had already conducted multiple town hall meetings nationwide.
He mentioned that the NDC has held at least four meetings and is nearing the conclusion of its engagements across various zones, emphasizing that the party’s campaign strategy differs from those centered on rallies and entertainment.
The NDC was set to inaugurate its national campaign council, commission its new national secretariat in Jabi, Abuja, and present certificates of return to its candidates on Tuesday. Director noted that these certificates are part of a formal process, with candidates already registered on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s portal.
He also indicated that the party planned to release a detailed statement of its finances, challenging the APC to do the same, suggesting that the figures would surprise Nigerians.
Director defended the party’s anti-defection oath, stating it aims to address issues related to political defections and what he termed irresponsible politicking. He asserted that members dissatisfied with the outcome of the party’s primaries are entitled to seek legal recourse.
Furthermore, Director rejected allegations suggesting that the NDC’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, was collaborating with the ruling party, condemning the claims as unfounded. He stated that Peter Obi remains a favored candidate among many Nigerians and warned that any restrictions on the political landscape could drive some advocates of democracy to resort to the kind of guerrilla journalism reminiscent of military rule.
In response to the NDC’s allegations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the claims as unfounded. An anonymous official questioned the seriousness of the allegations, asking whether the public was to be treated to such baseless accusations.
“This party wants us to respond to these unfounded claims? We will not. Are we in kindergarten? Which state or which ministry supposedly denied them the use of facilities?” the official inquired.
