The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress to allow opposition parties to use the Presidential Villa for political activities.
Sowore made the demand during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Thursday, accusing the APC of using Aso Rock for party meetings and other private events.
He argued that the ruling party should not deny opposition parties access to the facility if it had been used for political activities, weddings and other gatherings.
“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.
“The APC has been using the Presidential Villa for meetings, launches, and weddings in some cases. It is fair for us to ask. We will only pay for this if the APC can provide receipts for all the times they used the presidential villa banquet hall,” he added.
Sowore’s comments followed a request by his party 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 catering and logistical support for about 5,000 guests at the event.
However, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru dismissed the request, describing Sowore as a “skit maker”.
Despite the criticism, Sowore maintained that the Presidential Villa is public property and insisted that opposition parties should enjoy the same privileges he alleges the ruling party has received.
