Basiru Challenges AAC Presidential Candidate to Win Assembly Seat as Sowore’s Party Seeks Presidential Villa for Campaign Inauguration
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has described African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore as a “skit maker” following his party’s request to use the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, for a campaign event ahead of the 2027 general election.
The AAC had reportedly written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking approval to hold the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa on November 11, 2026.
The party also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for about 5,000 participants expected at the event, citing the need for political inclusiveness, multiparty democracy and equal treatment of political parties.
Reacting during an interview on Channels Television, Basiru questioned Sowore’s political standing, challenging him to first win a seat in a state House of Assembly before expecting greater recognition in the political space.
“Sowore is a skit maker. Let him struggle to even get a seat in the House of Assembly as a politician, and then people will begin to take him seriously,” Basiru said.
The APC national secretary also criticised the AAC’s electoral performance, claiming that rejected ballot papers recorded more votes than the party during the 2023 general election.
“Even rejected ballot papers had more votes than his party in the 2023 election,” he added.
In its letter dated October 21, 2026, the AAC argued that granting its request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness and equal access to public institutions.
The party also referenced arrangements it claimed had been made for the ruling APC for a similar political engagement, asking the Presidency to clarify the procedures and conditions governing its request.
As of the time of the report, the Presidency’s response to the AAC’s request had not been established.
The exchange comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations and political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
