The African Action Congress (AAC), led by presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, has asked President Bola Tinubu to approve the use of the Presidential Villa in Abuja for its campaign council inauguration ahead of the 2027 general election.
The opposition party also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for the event scheduled for November 11, 2026.
The request was contained in a letter dated October 21 and signed by the AAC National Secretary, Oshiokhue Philip Ikpeminoghena. Sowore shared the letter publicly on Wednesday.
The party said its request was based on multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness and equal treatment of political parties.
AAC Cites APC’s Use of Presidential Villa
In the letter, the AAC argued that approving its request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness and equal access to public institutions.
The party also referred to arrangements reportedly provided for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during similar political activities.
According to the AAC, public institutions should serve Nigerians without discrimination based on political affiliation.
The party further asked the Presidency to provide details of the procedures and conditions required to secure approval for the event.
As of the time of reporting, the Presidency had not publicly responded to the request, according to the report.
Tinubu Inaugurated APC Campaign Council
The AAC’s request comes after Tinubu inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on October 14, 2026.
During the ceremony, the president described the ruling party as united and urged its leaders to prepare for the 2027 general election.
He called on council members to demonstrate discipline, commitment and a shared sense of purpose while supporting the administration’s priorities.
Tinubu also warned party members that past electoral victories would not guarantee future success, stressing the need to work towards another victory.
Opposition Parties Have Questioned Use of Aso Rock
The use of the Presidential Villa for APC activities has previously attracted criticism from opposition parties.
In 2025, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the ruling party for holding a National Executive Committee meeting at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting, presided over by Tinubu at the Banquet Hall, resulted in the appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda as APC national chairman following Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation.
The ADC’s then interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that the State House was neither a party office nor a private residence.
The AAC’s latest request has renewed the debate over whether political parties should have equal access to government facilities for their activities ahead of the 2027 elections.