Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has dared President Bola Tinubu over the use of Aso Rock, insisting that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) can use the Presidential Villa for meetings and weddings, opposition figures deserve the same access ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sowore made the remark on Thursday while reacting to the controversy surrounding the use of state facilities for political activities, arguing that the Villa should not be converted into a partisan venue for the ruling party.
'Aso Rock Is Not APC Secretariat'
According to Sowore, the Presidential Villa belongs to all Nigerians and should not be appropriated by the APC for its internal activities. He challenged the President to ensure a level playing field, warning that the opposition would not accept a situation where state resources are deployed to entrench the ruling party.
"If APC uses Aso Rock for meetings and weddings, we deserve the same," Sowore said, stressing that the 2027 contest must be conducted under fair conditions.
He accused the ruling party of attempting to use incumbency advantage to silence opposition voices and manipulate the political space ahead of the next general election.
Warning to the Presidency
Sowore further warned that any attempt to weaponise state institutions against opposition figures would be resisted, calling on civil society and Nigerians to remain vigilant.
He urged the President to rise above partisan considerations and protect the integrity of democratic processes, noting that history would judge his administration by how it handles the transition period.
Context
The activist's remarks come amid heightened political tension as parties begin positioning for the 2027 elections. Sowore, who has consistently criticised the Tinubu administration, has repeatedly accused the government of intolerance toward dissent.
The Presidency has not yet responded to Sowore's latest comments.
Analysts' View
Political observers say the debate over the use of state facilities reflects growing concerns about the fairness of the electoral environment, with opposition parties alleging that incumbency advantages could tilt the playing field in favour of the ruling APC.
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