AAC Throws Down The Gauntlet: Demands Aso Villa For '2027 Campaign Launch', Citing Tinubu's APC Precedent

The African Action Congress (AAC) has formally requested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant approval for the use of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council. The event is scheduled for November 11, 2026, in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections. In addition to the venue, the opposition party has also sought the provision of food, drinks, and other logistical support for the participants.

This request, detailed in a press statement dated October 21, 2026, signed by National Publicity Secretary Rex I. Elanu, and reiterated in a formal letter by National Secretary Oshiokhai Ikpeminioghena, cites a precedent set by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). President Tinubu had previously inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections on October 14, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, reportedly with similar state-sponsored arrangements.

The AAC, whose presidential candidate is prominent activist and government critic Omoyele Sowore, argues strongly for equal treatment of all political parties regarding the use of public institutions and national resources. The party insists that public assets, funded by taxpayers, should not be exclusively reserved for the ruling party. “If the Presidential Villa can host the political activities of the APC, the same consideration must be extended to other political parties, including the AAC,” the statement emphasized, calling for fairness and political inclusiveness.

The party highlighted that the reported deployment of state resources to support the APC event raises serious questions about equitable management of public funds. The AAC urged President Tinubu to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to fairness and non-partisan public service by responding favorably to its request. “Democracy cannot thrive on double standards. Public resources belong to the Nigerian people, not the ruling party,” the party declared.

The AAC expressed optimism about receiving a positive outcome and urged the Presidential Villa administration to outline any standard operating procedures or technical conditions necessary for approval. The party stated that the President’s response would clearly indicate whether his administration views public institutions as accessible to all political parties or as exclusive to the APC, thereby reflecting the true spirit of multiparty democracy and equal access to public infrastructure.