AAC Requests Aso Villa for Campaign Council Inauguration

The African Action Congress (AAC) has requested President Bola Tinubu’s approval to use the Presidential Villa in Abuja for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council. According to Punch, the party submitted a letter on October 21, 2026, signed by National Secretary Oshiokhai Ikpeminioghena, asking for the venue and logistical support for the event scheduled for November 11, 2026. Premium Times reported that the request specifically includes food, drinks, and other logistics for 5,000 participants, framing the ask as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The AAC’s letter argues that the request is grounded in the principles of multiparty democracy and political inclusiveness. Both Punch and Premium Times noted that the party cited the recent APC event at the State House as a precedent. Premium Times reported that President Tinubu inaugurated the APC council on October 14, urging members to secure his re-election. The AAC contends that granting its request would show the Presidency’s dedication to impartiality and shared access for political parties, a sentiment echoed in the letter’s text as reported by both publications.

Premium Times highlighted that the AAC is fielding Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, as its presidential candidate for 2027. Sowore, who previously contested the 2019 and 2023 elections, shared the letter on social media on Wednesday. The party’s National Secretary, whose name is spelled Oshiokhai Ikpeminioghena in Punch’s report and Oshiokhue Ikpeminoghena in Premium Times’ report, signed the document. The letter also asked the Presidency to clarify the administrative steps and requirements for approving the venue and logistics.

As of Wednesday, it was not yet known if the Presidency had responded to the letter, according to Premium Times. The request comes as the AAC seeks to establish a visible presence in the capital ahead of the next electoral cycle. The party’s emphasis on logistical parity with the APC suggests a strategic effort to leverage public institutions for campaign visibility. Punch’s evening recap also noted other major Nigerian stories, including a tribute by Davido to his late son and hospitalizations in Ogun State, but the AAC’s venue request remains a focal point of political attention.