AAC Rejects Tinubu’s 30-Day Fuel Discount, Demands Full Subsidy Restoration

The African Action Congress has called for full fuel subsidy restoration, describing the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount as temporary relief.

The African Action Congress (AAC) has rejected the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount, describing it as a temporary measure that fails to address the hardship Nigerians have faced since the removal of fuel subsidy.

In a press statement dated October 8, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex I. Elanu, the party said Nigerians had endured rising fuel prices, increased transport fares, hunger and a high cost of living for more than three years.

The AAC argued that the government’s latest intervention offers only temporary relief instead of addressing the underlying economic challenges facing citizens.

The party reiterated its position that its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has consistently advocated the restoration of full fuel subsidy as a welfare policy to make petrol affordable. It also called for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s petroleum refineries.

According to the AAC, the government should prioritise permanent relief and policies that protect citizens from the effects of market-driven fuel prices, rather than introducing short-term discounts.

“The Tinubu government cannot continue to impoverish Nigerians and then offer them a 30-day discount as political charity,” the statement said.

The party maintained that Nigerians deserve affordable fuel and an economy that prioritises their welfare, concluding its statement with its slogan, “AAC! Take It Back!”F

We Told Them From Day One This Was an Exercise in Futility - Sowore Reacts as DSS Moves to Suspend Case

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has reacted to reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) is seeking to suspend the cyberbullying case against him until after the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the development proves he was right to dismiss the case from the beginning.

“We told them from day one that this was an exercise in futility,” Sowore said in a statement reacting to the reported move by the secret police.

Sowore described the development as a victory for resistance and accused the DSS of being forced to reconsider its position after pursuing the case for months.

He said he and his supporters had refused to be intimidated, stressing that his history of confronting government authorities had prepared him for what he described as another attempt to silence dissent.

“We have fought too many of these battles to be intimidated now and we have prevailed again and again,” he said.

Sowore also referenced his involvement in political activism over the years, saying he had remained standing and resisting from the era of military dictatorship through the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He further called on the DSS to go beyond suspending the case and withdraw the charge entirely.

“The DSS must immediately withdraw this useless charge, apologize to our people for this abuse of power, return all my phones and electronic devices, and pay the ₦3 million in fines imposed against it by the courts,” Sowore stated.

He also demanded the immediate return of phones and a drone allegedly seized from his assistant, Zainab Sodiq.

The activist said the reported decision by the DSS to suspend the proceedings demonstrated what he described as the futility of the legal action.

The case followed social media posts made by Sowore in August 2025 in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” The DSS subsequently approached the Federal High Court seeking a determination on whether the posts amounted to cyberbullying and whether describing an individual as a criminal without a court pronouncement constituted an offence.

Reports indicate that DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi recently directed the agency’s private counsel, Akinolu Kehinde, SAN, to take steps toward suspending the proceedings during the 2027 presidential campaign and election period.

Sowore is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Action Congress.

According to the reports, the DSS may formally communicate its position to the Federal High Court when the court resumes normal sittings after its annual judicial vacation.

Reacting to the development, Sowore maintained that the struggle against what he described as oppression would continue.

“Our struggle remains firm. Our resolve is unbroken. We are unstoppable,” he declared.

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

Sowore, Atiku Mourn Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ as Tributes Pour In

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have joined the growing tributes to veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death after a battle with cancer.

Sowore, in a condolence message, expressed sympathy to Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nollywood community, describing the actor as an extraordinary performer whose distinctive voice and commanding presence made him instantly recognisable on screen.

He noted that Hassan had spent more than four decades contributing to Yoruba cinema and Nigeria’s wider film industry.

“My profound condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nollywood community in Nigeria over the untimely passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo, who died today following a battle with cancer,” Sowore said.

According to him, Ogogo’s unique acting style and remarkable performances earned him a lasting place in Nigeria’s film history.

Sowore concluded his tribute by praying for the late actor to “rest in power” and adding, “May the force continue to be with him!”

Atiku also described the actor’s death as deeply saddening, particularly coming only days after Nigerians became aware of his battle with cancer.

“The news of the passing of celebrated Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, is deeply saddening,” Atiku said.

The former vice president said Ogogo was more than a talented actor, noting that he used his career to entertain, educate and inspire audiences across generations.

He said the actor brought laughter into countless homes and told stories that reflected Nigerian society while using his talent to promote social change.

Atiku said Hassan’s death had created a painful void in Nigeria’s creative industry and among the millions of people who admired his work.

He extended his condolences to the actor’s family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and around the world.

Atiku also prayed for Allah to forgive Hassan’s shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.

The tributes come as Nigerians continue to mourn the 66-year-old actor, whose death followed an emotional appeal by his daughters for urgent medical assistance after the family learnt of the severity of his condition.

Ogogo was one of the prominent faces of Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades as an actor, producer and filmmaker.

Sowore Accuses EFCC of “Hunting Down” Citizens Over Alleged Cyberbullying

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the detention and arraignment of two people accused of cyberbullying the agency.

Sowore said he attended two separate court proceedings involving the defendants before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where he alleged that both individuals had spent close to 30 days in detention before being brought before the court.

According to him, rather than being allowed to return home while their cases continue, both defendants were remanded in prison custody.

Sowore identified one of the defendants as Maryam Isa Shehu, a final-year student of Bayero University Kano (BUK). He said she was remanded at Suleja Prison, while the other defendant was sent to Kuje Prison.

He said both defendants are expected to remain in custody until August 31.

Sowore described Maryam’s situation as particularly concerning because she is expected to begin her final university examinations on Saturday.

“What makes Maryam’s situation even more disturbing is that she is a final-year university student who is due to begin her final examinations this Saturday,” Sowore said.

“None of that appeared to matter.”

The AAC candidate accused the EFCC, under its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, of going beyond its anti-corruption mandate by pursuing citizens over criticism and alleged cyberbullying.

“The @officialEFCC under Ola Olukoyede is inherently evil,” Sowore said.

He questioned why an agency established to fight financial crimes would be involved in the detention and prosecution of citizens over alleged cyberbullying.

“An anti-corruption agency should be fighting corruption, not turning itself into an institution for hunting down, detaining and prosecuting citizens over criticism or alleged ‘cyberbullying,’” he said.

Sowore further questioned the decision to keep the defendants in prison after they had already spent nearly a month in detention before their arraignment.

“What kind of institution detains a university student for nearly a month, arraigns her for allegedly cyberbullying the agency, and then seeks to keep her behind bars while her final examinations are about to begin?” he asked.

The comments come as the EFCC continues to pursue cases involving alleged online offences, while concerns over the use of criminal proceedings in response to criticism and social media activity continue to generate public debate.

Sowore’s comments are his account of the court proceedings and the circumstances surrounding the defendants’ detention. The allegations against the defendants remain before the court.

“I Don’t Even Know If I Will Make It to 85” - Sowore Replies Datti Baba-Ahmed

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has responded to Datti Baba-Ahmed’s criticism of his comments on former military ruler Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, saying he does not even know whether he will live to the age of 85.

Sowore made the remarks in a lengthy response to Datti after the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate criticised his comments on Babangida, who recently marked his 85th birthday.

Sowore said his criticism of Babangida was not motivated by the former military ruler’s age, but by his record in power and the consequences of decisions taken during his administration.

“I do not even know if I will make it to 85,” Sowore said.

He, however, said that wherever he might be at that age, Nigerians would have every right to examine what he did with whatever power or influence he possessed.

According to him, reaching old age should not shield any public official from scrutiny over their past actions.

“If I betray the democratic will of Nigerians, they should say so. If I impoverish people through disastrous policies, they should say so. If I violate their rights, they should say so. If I leave behind institutions weaker than I found them, history should record it,” he said.

Sowore said the same standard he was applying to Babangida should also apply to him or any other Nigerian who eventually exercises political power.

He maintained that his position was not about wishing Babangida ill health, stressing that he did not wish illness on the former military ruler.

“I wish no illness upon Ibrahim Babangida, but I will not participate in rewriting his record simply because he has grown old,” Sowore said.

The AAC candidate argued that age does not erase history or the consequences of decisions taken while someone was in a position of enormous power.

He also rejected the idea that compassion for an elderly person should require Nigerians to overlook controversial aspects of their political record.

“Growing old is a privilege. It is not immunity from history,” Sowore said.

Sowore further argued that if he were to reach 85, Nigerians should not be expected to praise him simply because of his age. Instead, they should examine the impact of his actions and decisions.

He said that if he betrayed Nigerians, violated their rights, impoverished citizens through bad policies or weakened institutions, such actions should remain part of his historical record.

His comments were part of a broader response to Datti Baba-Ahmed, in which Sowore defended his criticism of Babangida and rejected what he described as attempts to rewrite the history of Nigeria’s military era.

Sowore particularly referenced the June 12, 1993 presidential election, arguing that Nigerians have a right to remember the annulment of the election and other events associated with Babangida’s time in power. Babangida ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993 and remains a controversial figure in the country’s political history. 

Sowore said his position was ultimately about accountability rather than hatred, insisting that Nigerians should be free to interrogate the records of those who have exercised power over the country.

He also criticised what he described as a political culture in which powerful figures are treated with excessive reverence, arguing that public office should never place individuals beyond scrutiny.

The exchange between Sowore and Datti follows a wider debate over how Nigerians should remember Babangida at 85, with political figures and members of the public expressing sharply different views about his legacy. 

For Sowore, however, the passage of time should not erase the responsibility of leaders to answer for the consequences of their decisions.

“History should record it,” he said, stressing that the same principle should apply to him if he ever becomes a holder of public power.

Sowore Accuses DSS of Discrimination at Presidential Peace Accord Event

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of discriminatory treatment after he was reportedly stopped at the entrance of the National Peace Committee’s Peace Accord signing event.

Sowore said he arrived at the venue without a convoy of expensive vehicles or heavily armed security escorts but was stopped at the gate by DSS operatives.

According to him, one of the officers demanded to see his invitation letter, despite later acknowledging that he knew Sowore was a presidential candidate.

He said the situation became more concerning when another presidential candidate arrived with a long convoy and was allowed into the venue without facing similar checks.

Sowore said he was subsequently told that his staff would not be allowed into the venue, followed by another instruction that his camera crew could not enter either.

He described the treatment as discriminatory and said he refused to accept what he considered unequal treatment of presidential candidates.

“If this is supposed to be a ‘Peace Accord’ involving presidential candidates, then every candidate must be treated with equal dignity and respect,” Sowore said.

He argued that candidates should not be treated differently based on the size of their convoys, the number of security vehicles accompanying them or the level of privilege they display.

Sowore said he insisted on his rights and refused to submit to what he described as discriminatory conduct by the security operatives.

He further criticised what he described as a culture of intimidation, class discrimination and arbitrary treatment by Nigeria’s security agencies.

“This culture of intimidation, class discrimination, and arbitrary treatment by Nigeria’s security agencies must end,” he said.

The incident has raised questions about the treatment of presidential candidates at an event specifically organised to promote peaceful participation ahead of the election.

Shemariah Newsroom will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Peace Accord and the reactions from the parties involved.

Sowore Slams IBB on 85th Birthday, Says His Legacy “Ruined Nigeria”

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as he marks his 85th birthday, accusing him of making decisions that damaged Nigeria during his time in power.

Sowore, in a message shared on social media, described Babangida as “the man who did Nigeria dirty” and questioned the celebrations surrounding the former military ruler’s birthday.

“He lived long but is no longer living well,” Sowore wrote, while arguing that Nigeria would not be facing some of its present challenges if Babangida had not, in his words, been “wicked and selfish” in the exercise of power.

Sowore accused the former military ruler of leaving behind a legacy characterised by decisions that, according to him, deepened corruption, weakened democratic institutions and created consequences that Nigerians continue to deal with decades later.

He argued that Babangida’s legacy should not be assessed solely through the birthday celebrations organised by his supporters and associates, but also through the impact of the decisions made during his years in power.

“History should remember not just the birthday celebrations, but the consequences of the choices he made while holding power that ruined Nigeria,” Sowore said.

Babangida, who ruled Nigeria as military president from 1985 to 1993, remains one of the country’s most influential and controversial political figures.

His administration introduced major economic and political reforms, including the Structural Adjustment Programme, while his decision to annul the June 12, 1993 presidential election remains one of the most controversial events in Nigeria’s political history.

Sowore’s comments reflect the continued criticism of Babangida’s administration by activists and other Nigerians who argue that the policies and political decisions of the military era contributed to some of the institutional and economic problems confronting the country today.

The former military leader, however, has continued to maintain his place as an influential figure in Nigeria’s political history, with former colleagues, politicians and associates celebrating his 85th birthday.

The contrasting reactions to Babangida’s birthday once again highlight the deeply divided assessment of his years in power and the lasting debate over his role in shaping modern Nigeria.

Sowore Blasts NDLEA Over Cannabis Farm Destruction, Demands Legalisation and Regulation

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the destruction of cannabis farms in Edo State, describing the action as a waste of economic opportunities amid Nigeria’s worsening poverty.

Sowore made his position known in a post on X on Tuesday, where he condemned the agency for destroying what he described as economically viable crops worth millions of dollars.

“It is idiotic @ndlea_nigeria wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze while your country is drowning in multidimensional poverty,” Sowore wrote.

He called on the NDLEA to stop destroying cannabis farms and criticised what he described as a failed and outdated approach to cannabis control in Nigeria.

“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy,” he said.

Sowore argued that Nigeria should instead legalise and properly regulate cannabis cultivation and its legitimate uses, saying the country could develop an industry capable of creating jobs and generating government revenue.

He also called for greater investment in research to explore the medicinal and industrial applications of cannabis.

“Legalize and properly regulate cannabis. Invest in research, harness its legitimate medicinal and industrial potential, create jobs, generate revenue, and build an industry Nigerians can benefit from,” he said.

The AAC presidential candidate concluded his message with a strong criticism of the government’s approach, declaring: “You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people!”

Sowore’s comments followed reports of cannabis farm destruction by the NDLEA in Edo State. The agency has continued to conduct operations against cannabis cultivation and other illicit drug activities as part of its mandate to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

The NDLEA has maintained that cannabis cultivation and trafficking remain illegal under Nigeria’s current drug laws, while the agency continues to destroy illicit plantations and arrest suspected drug traffickers.

Sowore’s latest comments have therefore reignited the debate over Nigeria’s cannabis policy, particularly whether the country should continue with the prohibition and destruction of cannabis plantations or consider a regulated legal framework for medicinal, industrial and economic purposes.

His position is also consistent with his broader advocacy for changes to Nigeria’s drug policy and his argument that the country should explore economic opportunities from industries currently operating outside the legal framework.