Sowore’s AAC Seeks Permission to Hold Campaign Council Inauguration at Aso Villa

The African Action Congress (AAC), led by Nigerian activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, has asked President Bola Tinubu for permission to hold the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also requested food, drinks and logistical support for approximately 5,000 participants expected to attend the proposed event.

According to reports published on October 21, 2026, the AAC made the request in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and signed by its National Secretary, Oshiokhue Philip Ikpeminoghena. The proposed inauguration is scheduled for November 11, 2026. (Premium Times Nigeria⁠)

AAC Cites Fairness and Political Inclusiveness

In its letter, the party said its request was based on the principles of multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness and equal treatment of political parties.

The AAC argued that public institutions should serve all Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations. It maintained that if facilities were made available to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for political activities, other parties should also receive fair consideration when making similar requests.

The party said approving its request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness and equal access to public institutions.

The AAC also asked the President to communicate the procedures and conditions that would apply if the request were approved. (Punch Newspapers⁠)

Request Includes Support for 5,000 Participants

Beyond requesting the Presidential Villa as the venue, the AAC asked the government to provide food, drinks and other logistical assistance for about 5,000 participants expected to attend the proposed ceremony.

The party said participants would come from within Nigeria and abroad.

The request has attracted attention because it involves both access to a major government facility and the provision of support for a political party’s campaign-related event.

However, the request should not be interpreted as an approval. As of the reports published on October 21, the Presidency had not publicly confirmed whether it would grant the party’s request. (Premium Times Nigeria⁠)

Sowore and the AAC’s 2027 Election Plans

Sowore is a human rights activist, journalist and founder of Sahara Reporters. He has contested Nigeria’s presidential elections under the AAC and remains a prominent figure in the country’s opposition politics.

The party has been preparing for the 2027 general elections, with plans to strengthen its campaign organisation and expand its reach across the country.

Earlier in October, the AAC announced its Presidential Campaign Council for the Sowore–Haruna Magashi ticket. The council is intended to coordinate campaign activities, grassroots mobilisation, communications and other preparations ahead of the election. (Punch Newspapers⁠)

The latest request for permission to use the Presidential Villa forms part of the party’s broader preparations for the forthcoming election.

Presidency Yet to Confirm Its Decision

The AAC’s request has raised questions about access to government facilities by political parties, particularly during preparations for a general election.

While the party has presented its request as an issue of fairness and equal treatment, the final decision rests with the relevant authorities and any applicable procedures governing the use of the Presidential Villa.

The Presidency’s response will determine whether the proposed inauguration can take place at Aso Rock as requested or whether the party will need to consider another venue.

For now, the AAC is awaiting a decision on its request, while political parties continue preparing for the 2027 elections.

The development adds another issue to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape as parties organise their campaign structures and seek to mobilise supporters ahead of the next presidential contest.