Omoyele Sowore dares Tinubu over his Aso Rock campaign request, arguing that opposition parties deserve equal access to public property

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has challenged President Bola Tinubu over his party’s request to use the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a campaign event, arguing that opposition parties should enjoy the same privileges he says are available to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Sowore made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday, alleging that the APC had used the Villa for party activities, including meetings, launches and weddings.

He argued that the ruling party should not be allowed to enjoy exclusive access to a public facility while opposition parties are denied similar opportunities.

“If the APC can use the Presidential Villa for its political activities with catering, logistics, and security provided, we are entitled to the same,” Sowore said.

He added that his party would be willing to pay for the proposed use of the venue if the APC could provide receipts showing payments for its previous use of the Presidential Villa’s banquet hall.

Sowore’s comments followed a request by the AAC to President Tinubu seeking permission to use Aso Rock for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council scheduled for November 11, 2026.

The party reportedly requested the venue for an event expected to accommodate 5,000 guests, with catering and other logistical arrangements.

However, the request drew criticism from APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who reportedly dismissed Sowore as a “skit maker”.

Sowore maintained that the Presidential Villa is public property and argued that opposition parties should be treated fairly in their access to government facilities.

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His remarks have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding the use of public buildings for political activities and whether the same rules and privileges apply to both the ruling party and opposition groups ahead of the 2027 general election.