Nigeria Opposition Halts Rally, Citing Government Interference

(Bloomberg) -- Nigeria’s main opposition party canceled a rally in the capital, Abuja, saying it was denied access to the campaign venue by the government.

The People’s Democratic Party was not able to go ahead with one of its last major campaigns before next week’s elections, despite getting prior approval to use the venue and paying up front, spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan said in an emailed statement. This is “provocative action against our party and presidential campaign by the Presidency," he said.

Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, spokesmen for President Muhammadu Buhari, didn’t answer calls to their mobiles seeking comment.

Nigeria’s election on Feb. 16 pits 76-year-old Buhari against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 72. Abubakar’s PDP has accused Buhari and his All Progressives Congress party of clamping down on dissent and preparing to rig the vote, which they deny.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tope Alake in Lagos at talake@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sophie Mongalvy at smongalvy@bloomberg.net, John Bowker, Keith Campbell

©2019 Bloomberg L.P.