Sowore’s AAC asks Tinubu for Villa venue, logistics for 5,000 campaign council members

The African Action Congress (AAC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to provide the Presidential Villa in Abuja as a venue for the inauguration of its presidential campaign council, along with food, drinks and other logistics for 5,000 people.

In a letter dated 21 October, the AAC requested approval to hold the inauguration on 11 November, citing President Tinubu’s recent inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House.

The AAC, which is fielding Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, said its request was based on the principles of multi-party democracy, political inclusiveness and equal treatment of political parties.

Mr Sowore shared the letter, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Oshiokhue Ikpeminoghena, on Facebook on Wednesday.

President Tinubu inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on 14 October, urging members to work together to secure his re-election in 2027.

In a statement released after the ceremony, the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Mr Tinubu charged council members and party leaders to demonstrate unity, commitment and dedication while keeping the administration’s governance priorities on track.

The president also stated that he would continue to engage Nigerians directly while the campaign council mobilised support across states and local government areas.

However, the State House statement did not indicate that the APC received food, drinks or other logistical support for 5,000 people, or that the party was granted exclusive use of the Presidential Villa for the inauguration.

In its letter, the AAC noted that approving its request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness and equal access to public institutions.

“We believe that granting this request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness, equal access, and the principle that public institutions must serve all Nigerians without partisan discrimination,” the party said.

The party also asked Mr Tinubu to communicate the procedures and conditions for approving the requests.

It was not immediately clear whether the presidency had received and responded to the letter as of Wednesday.

Mr Sowore, a human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, contested the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections under the AAC. He is also the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.