AAC asks President Tinubu to allow Aso Villa venue and logistics for campaign council launch

Request submitted to the Presidency On 21 October 2026, the African Action Congress (AAC) sent a letter to President Bola Tinubu asking for permission to use the Presidential Villa, also known as Aso Rock, in Abuja for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council. The letter, addressed to the President and dated the same day, was signed by the party’s National Secretary, Oshiokhai Ikpeminioghena, according to the Punch report, while a separate account from Leadership names the signatory as Oshiokhue Philip Ikpeminoghena. Both sources agree that the request was made in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Proposed date and scale of the event The AAC proposed 11 November 2026 as the date for the inauguration ceremony. The party indicated that the event would involve around 5,000 participants, including supporters from within Nigeria and from abroad. The request therefore included not only the venue but also provisions for food, drinks and other logistical arrangements to accommodate the large gathering.

Rationale behind the request In the correspondence, the AAC framed its appeal as a matter of multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness and equal treatment of political parties. The party argued that granting the request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness and would align with the support reportedly extended to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for similar political engagements. By seeking comparable treatment, the AAC positioned its request as a standard practice for opposition parties in a democratic system.

Response pending Both sources note that the letter was a formal appeal and do not provide information on any official response from the Presidency at the time of reporting. The AAC’s request remains pending, and the party’s ability to hold the inauguration at the Presidential Villa will depend on the President’s decision.

Context of the upcoming elections The AAC’s move comes as political parties across Nigeria intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. The party’s presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is expected to be the focal point of the campaign council’s activities. By seeking a high‑profile venue such as the Presidential Villa, the AAC aims to signal its readiness to compete on a national stage.

Overall, the AAC’s letter reflects a broader push by opposition parties to secure equitable access to state resources ahead of a tightly contested electoral cycle.