AAC Seeks Tinubu’s Approval to Hold 2027 Campaign Council Inauguration at Presidential Villa

The African Action Congress (AAC) has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking approval to inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, on November 11, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a letter dated October 21, 2026, and signed by the party’s National Secretary, Oshiokhue Philip Ikpeminoghena, the AAC also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for 5,000 participants expected to attend the event from within Nigeria and abroad.

The party said the request was made in the spirit of multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness and equal treatment of political parties.

According to the letter addressed to the President, the AAC argued that granting its request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness and equal access to public institutions, regardless of political affiliation.

The party cited arrangements it said had reportedly been extended to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a similar political engagement, arguing that its request should receive comparable consideration.

The proposed inauguration is expected to form part of the AAC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party also asked the Presidency to provide information on the procedures and conditions required for approval of the request.

The letter was signed by Ikpeminoghena on behalf of the AAC, which expressed hope that the President would give the request favourable consideration.

Sowore Vows to Reopen Lekki Toll Gate Killings Investigation if Elected President

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has vowed to reopen investigations into the October 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shootings if elected president in 2027, promising to identify and prosecute those found responsible for unlawful killings.

Sowore made the pledge in a statement commemorating six years of the #EndSARS protests, demanding accountability for the shootings that occurred on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.

In his statement, titled “The #EndSARS at Six: Six Years of Blood, Lies and Impunity,” Sowore questioned why those responsible for the shootings had not been brought to justice, asking who ordered the operation and whether anyone had been prosecuted.

He also questioned the roles of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, military officers, police commanders and other security officials in the events surrounding the protest.

Sowore further called for an investigation into allegations concerning the removal of cameras from the Lekki Toll Gate before the shootings, raising questions about the alleged involvement of President Bola Tinubu and members of his family. The claims were raised in his statement and were not independently established by the post.

Reflecting on the protests, Sowore recalled that on October 4, 2020, he had called for a nationwide action against police brutality. The #EndSARS movement subsequently drew thousands of young Nigerians demanding an end to alleged police abuses, including torture, extortion and extrajudicial killings.

The protests gained international attention following the October 20 shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate, where security forces were accused of firing at demonstrators. The incident remains a major point of controversy in Nigeria’s recent history, with calls for accountability continuing years after the event.

Sowore argued that the #EndSARS movement went beyond the demand to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), describing it as a broader challenge to a system he said protects powerful individuals while exposing ordinary citizens to abuse.

He also criticised what he described as the silence surrounding the incident, insisting that Nigerians must continue to demand justice for victims and survivors.

Under his proposed #Sowore2027 administration, he said investigations would be reopened to establish the chain of command, identify those who ordered or carried out unlawful killings, and ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution regardless of rank or political connections.

“We will never forget!” Sowore declared, reaffirming his support for victims and survivors of the #EndSARS protests and calling for justice over the Lekki Toll Gate shootings.

Sowore Questions Okonjo-Iweala’s $2.4bn Subsidy Fraud Claim, Demands Evidence

Sowore has demanded evidence identifying those responsible for the alleged subsidy fraud and clarifying its connection to the kidnapping.

Human rights activist and AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has questioned the evidence behind World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s account that efforts to uncover an alleged $2.4 billion oil subsidy fraud were linked to the kidnapping of her mother in 2012.

In a post on social media, Sowore demanded clarification on the individuals and companies allegedly involved in the fraud, as well as the investigations, audit reports and prosecution records arising from the case.

He questioned what became of the money and whether the authorities identified those responsible for the alleged fraudulent subsidy claims during Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance.

Okonjo-Iweala recently recounted the incident during an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, explaining that her efforts to investigate suspicious claims under Nigeria’s fuel subsidy programme preceded threats against her and the abduction of her mother, Kamene Okonjo, in December 2012.

According to the account published by TheCable, Okonjo-Iweala said her office became concerned after noticing a sharp increase in claims submitted by petrol importers. She said she raised the issue with then President Goodluck Jonathan and sought approval to audit the accounts.

In his response, Sowore challenged the connection between the alleged subsidy fraud and the kidnapping, asking what verifiable evidence established that the abduction was retaliation for the investigation.

He also criticised Okonjo-Iweala’s book, Fighting Corruption Is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines, arguing that it did not adequately identify those responsible for the alleged fraud or explain what happened to the money.

The book, published by MIT Press in 2018, recounts Okonjo-Iweala’s experiences confronting corruption during her time in government, including the kidnapping of her mother. Its publisher describes the abduction as linked to opposition to reforms led by the former finance minister, particularly efforts to tackle fraudulent oil subsidy claims.

Sowore further questioned the police account of the kidnapping, alleging that police records and judicial proceedings pointed to the involvement of individuals connected to the victim’s household and family environment. He argued that these claims should be examined alongside Okonjo-Iweala’s account rather than accepted or dismissed without evidence.

He also criticised Bloomberg interviewer Francine Lacqua, arguing that the claims required more scrutiny during the interview.

The activist’s post has brought renewed attention to two separate but related questions: the extent to which fraudulent claims affected Nigeria’s fuel subsidy programme and the evidence linking the alleged fraud investigation to the kidnapping.

While the publisher’s account of Okonjo-Iweala’s book supports her position that the kidnapping was connected to opposition to anti-corruption reforms, the specific identities of those responsible for the alleged $2.4 billion fraud and the precise evidentiary link between the fraud investigation and the abduction require examination of relevant official records.

Sowore has called for answers on the companies and individuals implicated, the outcome of investigations and any evidence establishing a direct connection between the alleged fraud and the kidnapping.

SoworeNOW App Offers Voter Information, Volunteer Opportunities Ahead of 2027

The SoworeNOW app is being promoted as a digital platform designed to connect supporters, share campaign information and encourage participation in the 2027 political campaign of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore.

According to a campaign announcement, the app allows users to connect with fellow supporters, explore volunteer opportunities, locate their polling units and register as campaign coordinators. It also provides a channel for donations, which the campaign describes as transparent.

Beyond campaign activities, the platform reportedly includes everyday features such as local weather updates, allowing users to check conditions in their areas. Users can also access campaign updates, watch interviews, read manifestos and policy proposals, and discover events taking place near them.

The campaign says the app is intended to bring information and participation opportunities together in one place, making it easier for supporters in Nigeria and abroad to remain connected to its activities.

The platform is being promoted as part of efforts to build engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, with supporters encouraged to download the app and register.

SoworeNOW is available through links provided by the campaign for Android and iPhone users. Interested users can also register through a referral link shared in the announcement.

Mr Unwise Criticises VDM’s School Wall Painting, Says Sowore Is a Better Role Model for Children

Former Lagos AAC Chairman Appointed Director in Sowore-Magashi 2027 Campaign Council

Ayoyinka Oni says he will serve as Director of Policy, Strategy and Political Affairs in the Sowore-Magashi 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

Ayoyinka Oni, the immediate past chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Lagos State, has announced his appointment as Director of Policy, Strategy and Political Affairs in the Sowore-Magashi 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

Oni disclosed the appointment in a statement in which he described the role as a privilege and reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign to take Nigeria back.

“The work to take NIGERIA back never stopped, but again I say, let us begin,” he said.

The former Lagos AAC chairman also called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the 2027 general election and support the presidential ambition of Omoyele Sowore under the AAC.

Oni argued that the distribution of money, contracts and other opportunities by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could not benefit the majority of Nigerians, urging those who feel excluded to join efforts to bring about political change.

He further called on young Nigerians to exercise their voting rights, claiming that their participation could determine the outcome of the election.

“Are you going to stand there or sleep there while some dull old people and hungry young people determine the trajectory of your life for the next four years and beyond? Your answer should be an affirmative NO,” Oni said.

He maintained that active participation in the electoral process could help Nigerians challenge vote-buying, political intimidation and electoral manipulation.

Oni concluded by urging supporters to mobilise behind the Sowore-Magashi 2027 campaign, using the slogans “Let us take Nigeria back” and “Vote AAC.”

Sowore Returns to Nigeria, Resumes 2027 Presidential Campaign

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has returned to Nigeria from the United States as he prepares to resume campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore’s return was announced in a statement issued on Sunday, September 27, 2026, following his visit to the United States, where he reunited with his family and held engagements with Nigerians in the diaspora, supporters, activists and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, Sowore also participated in a solidarity march for Palestine in New York and continued his advocacy for the participation of Nigerians living abroad in the country’s electoral process.

The AAC candidate has said that, if elected in 2027, his administration would pursue the implementation of diaspora voting.

Sowore is expected to proceed to Abuja after arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. According to the statement, he is also expected to continue attending court proceedings relating to the cybercrime case instituted against him by the State Security Service in 2025.

His return comes as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Sowore said he plans to continue his campaign engagements across Nigeria, including meetings with workers, students, young people, women, farmers, traders, professionals and communities.

The AAC candidate said the campaign would focus on issues contained in the party’s 2027 agenda, including equal rights, justice, security, economic development and social issues.

Sowore has contested the Nigerian presidency previously and is now seeking the office again on the AAC platform in the 2027 election.

His return to Nigeria marks the resumption of his campaign activities as the election approaches.

Sowore Questions Tinubu’s Absence From UNGA, Alleges President Is Receiving Treatment in France

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, alleging that the President is receiving medical treatment in France.

Sowore made the claims in a post on X while reacting to Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the UN General Assembly, where Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation.

The Presidency has described Tinubu’s European trip as an annual leave and working vacation. Official statements also show that the President held engagements in Paris, including a meeting with businessman Vincent Bolloré and a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron on September 18.

However, Sowore disputed the official explanation, alleging that Tinubu was receiving treatment in France rather than simply taking a vacation.

“There is something inherently wrong with Nigeria,” Sowore wrote, before questioning what he described as the President’s activities in Paris and his absence from the UN General Assembly.

Sowore also alleged that Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN gathering was connected to what he described as fears that the United States government could order his arrest over what he referred to as a past drug-dealing case.

He did not provide evidence in his post establishing that Tinubu is currently receiving medical treatment in France or that U.S. authorities plan to arrest the President.

The allegation about a possible U.S. arrest has previously been disputed. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said the Nigerian mission had received no notification from the U.S. government indicating restrictions on Tinubu and argued that representatives attending UN activities have protections under the UN-U.S. Headquarters Agreement.

Sowore further criticised supporters of the administration, accusing them of accepting what he described as a lack of transparency surrounding the President’s activities.

He compared the situation with controversies surrounding the overseas medical treatment of former presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that Nigeria had previously witnessed secrecy and carefully managed public appearances around presidential health matters.

The Presidency has not publicly stated that Tinubu is receiving medical treatment in France. Its recent official statements have instead described his activities in Paris as part of his working vacation.

Sowore concluded his post by calling for what he described as freedom from the practices and mentality that, in his view, sustain the current political system.

The comments come as Nigeria prepares for the high-level segment of the 81st UN General Assembly, with Vice President Shettima representing the country at the gathering in New York.

Sowore Says AAC Will Not Join Utomi-Led Talks for Single 2027 Opposition Candidate

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has said neither he nor his party is participating in talks being led by Professor Pat Utomi to produce a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

Sowore made the position known in a public statement on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after reports emerged that a Political Commission led by Utomi would hold consultations with selected opposition presidential candidates and their party leaders.

The Movement for Credible Elections, MCE, said the consultations were part of efforts to facilitate an opposition coalition around a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Sowore was among the candidates listed for engagement.

“For the avoidance of doubt, neither I nor the African Action Congress (@AACParty) is part of these talks, and we will not be joining any such coalition,” Sowore said.

He said the AAC represented what he described as a fundamentally different political and ideological direction, arguing that its programme was based on ideological clarity rather than what he called political convenience and elite horse-trading.

Sowore also said the AAC could not enter a coalition with what he described as the political establishment it had consistently opposed.

He alleged that politicians presenting themselves as alternatives had, at different times, operated within the APC, PDP, Labour Party and other political formations that, in his view, had failed Nigerians.

Sowore further said his opposition extended beyond President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to what he described as the broader political system and governing practices responsible for Nigeria’s challenges.

These characterisations of the political establishment and its record were made by Sowore as part of his explanation for rejecting the proposed coalition.

He said the AAC would instead pursue what he described as a “revolutionary break” from the existing political order, with a programme centred on social and economic justice, equal rights, accountable government and redistribution of political and economic power.

“We will not abandon that program for an arrangement whose principal objective is simply to replace one set of establishment politicians with another,” he said.

The MCE Political Commission, chaired by Utomi, is expected to hold closed-door meetings with shortlisted opposition presidential candidates and their party leaders before a tactical session scheduled to take place in Ibadan. 

The candidates listed for consultation include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party, Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples’ Movement, Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party, Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Agada of the Young Progressive Party and Sowore of the AAC.

The commission says its consultations are intended to address disagreements that have affected previous attempts to form a united opposition platform.

Sowore, however, maintained that the AAC would not participate in the proposed coalition.

“The AAC is different. We know what we stand for, and we know the Nigeria we are fighting to build,” he said.

Sowore Accuses Tinubu of Making Dangote and His Allies Richer Through Economic Reforms

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies after Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, thanked the President for removing fuel subsidies and implementing foreign exchange reforms.

Sowore argued that the policies have benefited wealthy business interests while increasing economic pressure on millions of Nigerians.

Responding to Dangote’s remarks, Sowore said the reforms were implemented in a way that allowed Dangote and other business associates of the government to become richer while ordinary Nigerians faced higher living costs.

“That is not governance. It is a PADI PADI GOVERNMENT, a government of friends, by friends, and for friends,” Sowore wrote in a statement shared on social media.

Sowore also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that Nigerians were made to bear the impact through higher fuel prices.

He further questioned the distinction between fuel subsidies and other forms of government support to businesses, including tax concessions, waivers, preferential foreign exchange arrangements and access to public land and infrastructure.

“They tell Nigerians that subsidy is evil, but what do they call tax concessions and waivers for billionaires? SUBSIDY,” he said.

Sowore also alleged that the Dangote Group benefited from significant government support in the development of its refinery before the subsidy was removed.

He described the situation as “economic apartheid” and argued that Nigeria’s natural resources and economic wealth should benefit the wider population rather than a small group of wealthy individuals and their allies in government.

Sowore also used the statement to promote his political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections, saying a government led by him would restore fuel subsidies under what he described as a transparent and accountable system.

His comments came after Dangote praised Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy and reform the foreign exchange market, highlighting the contrasting positions of the businessman and the opposition politician on the government’s economic policies.

DSS Moves to Suspend Sowore’s Cyberbullying Case Until After 2027 Election

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly directed its private counsel, Akinolu Kehinde, SAN, to take steps towards suspending the alleged cyberbullying case against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 presidential election.

The development followed a reported meeting involving DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, the senior lawyer and senior officials of the agency’s legal directorate on August 20, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The meeting reportedly considered putting the case on hold to allow Sowore to participate fully in the 2027 presidential election without the court proceedings becoming a hindrance to his campaign.

Sowore is expected to contest the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

According to the source, Ajayi told the agency’s lawyers that, with the commencement of the presidential campaign period, it would be appropriate to pause the case and allow Sowore to participate in the electoral process.

The source further quoted the DSS Director-General as saying that the case had already remained before the court for almost a year and that suspending it for another four months would not make a significant difference.

The DSS is reportedly expected to communicate its position to the Federal High Court when regular court sittings resume from September 14, 2026, following the annual judicial vacation.

If the request is granted, the case would effectively remain in abeyance during the presidential campaign and the 2027 election period.

The case arose from social media posts made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal”.

Following the posts, the DSS reportedly gave Sowore seven days to delete the statements, but he declined to comply.

The secret police subsequently approached the Federal High Court seeking a determination on whether the statements amounted to cyberbullying and whether describing the President or another individual as a criminal without a prior court pronouncement was legally permissible.

The case has attracted attention because of Sowore’s political activities and his expected participation in the 2027 presidential election.

The reported decision by the DSS to seek a pause in the proceedings would mark a significant development in the case, although any suspension would ultimately depend on the position of the court.

As of the time of publication, the reported move remains subject to formal communication before the Federal High Court and any subsequent judicial decision.

Source: Punch Newspaper