Sowore Aso Rock Request: Why He Wants Villa for Campaign

The Sowore Aso Rock request has sparked a fresh row ahead of the 2027 elections. The African Action Congress (AAC) asked President Bola Tinubu to approve the Presidential Villa for the inauguration of its campaign council. The party’s candidate, Omoyele Sowore, now says the request is about equal access. According to him, the APC already uses the Villa for party events.

The AAC’s national secretary, Oshiokhue Ikpeminoghena, signed the letter on Wednesday. It names 11 November 2026 for the event. The party also asked for food, drinks and other support for 5,000 participants. In addition, it asked the Presidency to explain the conditions for approval.

The request at a glance

Sowore explained the request on Thursday at an event of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. He said Aso Rock belongs to Nigerians. Therefore, he argued, opposition parties should get the same access that the APC enjoys. The AAC letter also cited arrangements reportedly extended to the APC.

He also said the request does not mean he is joining any coalition. Sowore said he will not align with the man in Aso Rock. Moreover, he predicted that the Rainbow Coalition will collapse after 2027, wherever it forms. Reports link that coalition to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who is rallying support for Tinubu’s re-election.

The APC did not take the request kindly. Its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, called Sowore a “skit maker”. He said Sowore should first win a seat in a state House of Assembly before people take him seriously.

The row follows the APC’s own event. Tinubu inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre on 14 October. The AAC points to that event as the reason for its request.

Sojworldnews could not find a response from the Presidency to the letter. We will update this story if it replies.