AAC Holds Hitch-Free LG Primaries in Lagos

AAC Holds Hitch-Free LG Primaries in Lagos

In an exclusive interview with the party’s Lagos State Chairman, Ayoyinka Oni, the AAC leader confirmed that the primary election held in the state proceeded smoothly, with no reports of irregularities or disputes.

The African Action Congress (AAC) has expressed satisfaction over the peaceful and transparent conduct of its local government primary election in Lagos State, describing the exercise as successful and encouraging for the party’s grassroots structure.

In an exclusive interview with the party’s Lagos State Chairman, Ayoyinka Oni, the AAC leader confirmed that the primary election held in the state proceeded smoothly, with no reports of irregularities or disputes.

“It went well as expected. It was a good experience for all and especially our new members,” Oni said. “We started the day with membership registration and renewal of the party card. Delegates were confirmed and registered. It was a straightforward primary since all contestants came unopposed.”

Oni attributed the seamless process to the party’s strategic preparation and commitment to internal democracy. According to him, “The secret is making sure the wards had perfected all their delegates before getting to the state. We confirmed their membership and then provided them with delegate tags before our primaries were conducted.”

He further revealed that any potential issues were proactively handled at the grassroots level, which contributed to the calm and orderliness observed during the primary.

“No report of irregularities,” Oni stated. “All members that became candidates yesterday were screened by their local government areas even before they got to the state. Whatever issues must have been settled at the local government level before the day of the primary. We had a smooth process.”

With the successful completion of the primaries, the AAC is now shifting focus to the campaign phase. “We look forward to the campaign as we tell our people to vote for our great party at local government areas,” Oni concluded.

Party members have also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the primary election, with many sending congratulatory messages to the candidates. One of the party members, Hungbeme Moses Wanayon, wrote in a statement:

“Congratulations to all leaders and candidates for a successful Lagos AAC primary election. Now the real work is on us all. We must go out there to campaign rigorously, both online and within our communities. E ma sun!

AAC, Take it Back. Action.

RevolutionNow”

AAC Slams INEC Over CVR Confusion, Questions Capacity to Conduct Credible 2026 Council Elections

AAC Slams INEC Over CVR Confusion, Questions Capacity to Conduct Credible 2026 Council Elections

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its apparent lack of preparation for the upcoming FCT Area Council elections, scheduled for February 26, 2026.

In a joint statement signed by the FCT AAC Chairman, Agena Robert Ande , and Organising Secretary, Sydney Usman Godwin, the party expressed deep disappointment over INEC’s failure to provide clear guidance on the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The AAC FCT warned that thousands of young Nigerians who recently turned 18 could be denied their right to vote unless voter registration resumes promptly and electoral procedures are clarified.

The party also criticised INEC over confusion surrounding the CVR restart. While there were initial reports that registration would resume on May 27, the commission later denied the information, causing public uncertainty. The AAC described the mixed signals as evidence of poor planning, which could undermine the credibility of the 2026 elections in the FCT.

“The African Action Congress (AAC) FCT chapter expresses profound concern and disappointment over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) egregious lack of preparedness for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) elections,” the statement read.

“It is unacceptable that tens of thousands of eligible voters, especially newly eligible young Nigerians, face the risk of disenfranchisement due to the commission’s failure to resume CVR and facilitate voter participation,” the party said.

The AAC FCT issued several demands to INEC, including:

The immediate announcement of a clear and fixed date for the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration.

Prompt production and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to all eligible registrants.

Acceleration of the voter transfer and update processes to avoid unnecessary disenfranchisement.

The party called on INEC to act decisively and transparently to safeguard the democratic rights of all eligible voters in the FCT.

“We urge INEC to rise to the occasion and prove its commitment to democratic principles. The AAC FCT chapter will continue to monitor developments closely and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to defend the rights of our members and the wider electorate,” the statement concluded.

AAC, ZLP, YPP, Others Protest LASIEC’s Charges for Local Council Election Participation

AAC, ZLP, YPP, Others Protest LASIEC’s Charges for Local Council Election Participation

A coalition of political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State has called on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to scrap administrative charges imposed on candidates contesting in the upcoming local government elections slated for July 12.

The protest was led by five political parties—Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), African Action Congress (AAC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), All People’s Party (APP), and Accord Party—whose representatives staged a peaceful march to the LASIEC office on Monday, demanding the immediate suspension of the fees or face legal consequences.

According to LASIEC’s election guidelines, candidates are required to pay administrative fees of N150,000 for chairmanship aspirants, N75,000 for vice-chairmanship, and N50,000 for councillorship. However, female candidates and persons with disabilities are exempted. The payments are to be made into any Nigerian bank using a designated revenue code (33101) and agency code (77095) in favor of the Lagos State Government.

The protesting party leaders criticized the fees as unconstitutional and a barrier to political participation. Speaking on behalf of the group, Adekunle Mode-Adenipebi, Lagos State Chairman of ZLP and IPAC Organising Secretary, argued that LASIEC’s mandate is to conduct elections, not to generate revenue for the government.

“LASIEC is not a revenue-generating body. These fees are unjust and unconstitutional. Similar charges were abolished in recent local council elections in Ogun and Oyo states. We demand the immediate withdrawal of these levies,” Mode-Adenipebi stated.

He also compared LASIEC’s actions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which does not impose such fees on aspirants contesting higher offices, including the presidency and National Assembly.

According to Mode-Adenipebi, political parties may impose charges internally, but it is inappropriate for an electoral body to do so, as it risks disenfranchising aspiring candidates, especially those with limited financial resources.

Echoing this concern, Dele Oladeji, Chairman of the Accord Party in Lagos, warned that many aspirants may be forced out of the race due to financial constraints. “LASIEC is asking for what many candidates simply cannot afford. If the commission does not reverse this, we will seek redress in court by Wednesday,” he said.

Other party leaders, including Abiola Adeyemi (APP), Ayoyinka Oni (AAC), and former IPAC Chairman Olusegun Mobolaji (YPP), also condemned the charges as undemocratic and exclusionary.

The demonstration began at Birrel Avenue in Sabo-Yaba and concluded at LASIEC’s premises. Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, no LASIEC official came forward to address the concerns raised by the group.

The parties insist that if LASIEC does not reverse its decision and refund candidates who have already paid, they will proceed with legal action to defend democratic participation.

“The Fake Opposition Leader Mr. Peter Obi Is Not Opposed to the APC or Tinubu” – Sowore

“The Fake Opposition Leader Mr. Peter Obi Is Not Opposed to the APC or Tinubu” – Sowore

In a statement posted on his social media handle on Monday, prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has accused Labour Party’s Peter Obi of colluding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowore described Obi as a “fake opposition leader,” stating that the former Anambra State governor is not genuinely opposed to the APC or its leadership.

He stressed that Obi’s political actions are a calculated deception aimed at misleading the public, particularly his supporters, while working behind the scenes in alignment with the current administration.

“The Fake Opposition leader Mr. Peter Obi is not OPPOSED to the APC or Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just deceiving the gullible and bullying those who know this fact. They’re all working together to keep you humble so that [they] could ride roughshod over you. #RevolutionNow,” Sowore wrote.

Sowore, known for his #RevolutionNow campaign and consistent criticism of government corruption and impunity, has often questioned the credibility of mainstream opposition figures, insisting that only a radical political overhaul can truly deliver change to Nigerians.

AAC, Take-It-Back Movement Condemn ₦500 Civil Service Application Fee in Bauchi, Demand Refund, Education Reform

AAC, Take-It-Back Movement Condemn ₦500 Civil Service Application Fee in Bauchi, Demand Refund, Education Reform

“Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should prioritize empowering citizens, not depleting their limited resources,” the statement read.

The African Action Congress (AAC) and the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, Bauchi State Chapter, have jointly condemned the recent decision by the Bauchi State Government to impose a ₦500 application fee on unemployed youths applying for civil service jobs.

They both described the move as exploitative and insensitive, particularly amid the ongoing economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.

In a joint press statement released on Saturday, the party and the movement criticized the monetization of the recruitment process, arguing that job creation should serve to empower the people, not further impoverish them. They called for an immediate refund of all monies collected from applicants.

“Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should prioritize empowering citizens, not depleting their limited resources,” the statement read.

The press release, signed by Amb. Umar Y Abubakar, Chairman of AAC in Bauchi State, and Comr. Nazif Nuhu, Coordinator of the TIB Movement, also drew attention to what they described as the “deplorable” state of public education in the state.

They lamented the deteriorating conditions of many schools, citing leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of basic learning materials. The statement noted that Bauchi remains among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children since 2019, a situation the groups say demands urgent government intervention.

“We demand that the Bauchi State Government should redirect its focus and resources toward revitalizing our education system. Investing in rebuilding classrooms, training teachers, and creating a conducive learning environment is crucial,” the statement continued.

Summarizing their demands, the AAC and TIB Movement called on the state government to:

Cease what they termed “extortion” of job applicants,

Refund all application fees collected, and

Prioritize investment in the state’s education sector.

“The people of Bauchi deserve leadership that listens, cares, and acts in their best interest,” the statement concluded.

SEE THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

BY

THE AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) AND THE TAKE-IT-BACK MOVEMENT (TIB), BAUCHI STATE CHAPTER

DATE: MAY 11, 2025

We, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) in Bauchi State, express our utmost disapproval of the recent decision by the Bauchi State Government to impose a ₦500 application fee on unemployed youths seeking civil service positions. This move is not only exploitative but also disheartening, particularly given the current economic hardships faced by many citizens.

Turning a recruitment exercise into a revenue-generating scheme is unacceptable. Job creation should prioritize empowering citizens, not depleting their limited resources. We demand that the government immediately refunds all monies collected from applicants.

Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about the deplorable state of our public education system. Many schools in Bauchi are in disrepair, with leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate learning materials. The state’s ranking among those with the highest number of out-of-school children since 2019 underscores the urgent need for reform.

We urge the Bauchi State Government to redirect its focus and resources toward revitalizing our education system. Investing in rebuilding classrooms, training teachers, and creating a conducive learning environment is crucial.

Our message is clear:

  • Cease the extortion
  • Refund applicants
  • Prioritize education

The people of Bauchi deserve leadership that listens, cares, and acts in their best interest.

E-SIGNED:

Amb. Umar Y Abubakar
Chairman, African Action Congress (AAC) Bauchi State Chapter

Comr. Nazif Nuhu
Coordinator, Take It Back Movement
Bauchi State Chapter

“Peter Obi’s Political Agenda Is ‘Another Corrupt Agenda in Disguise’”, Sowore

“Peter Obi’s Political Agenda Is ‘Another Corrupt Agenda in Disguise’”, Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticized Peter Obi’s stance on the protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s economic policies, describing it as “questionably dishonest” and even “outrightly DUMB.”

Sowore’s remarks, which were made in a recent statement on his social media handles, point to what he perceives as a contradiction in Obi’s approach to political protests and governance.

Sowore, an outspoken critic of Nigeria’s political leadership, raised significant concerns regarding Obi’s involvement in Jonathan’s administration and his apparent dismissal of protests against the latter’s policies. “He seems to imply that protests against Goodluck Jonathan’s economic policies were unnecessary, given his role as an ‘Economic Adviser’ in that administration. They were all supporting themselves by looting Nigeria dry, including the role of his Fidelity Bank assisting Diezani to move hard cold cash,” Sowore remarked.

The activist also questioned Obi’s current perspective on the regime of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting that if Obi believed protests were unwarranted under Jonathan, Tinubu’s handlers should adopt a similar stance. “If he believes protests are unwarranted under Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, why should Tinubu’s handlers not hold the same view? After all, they claim that their economic policies are for the good of Nigerians, even though our people are dying in droves, and they too have looted Nigeria dry in less than two years,” Sowore emphasized.

Sowore also pointed to Obi’s “Obidient” movement, which he said failed to take a stand on critical national issues, including the presidential election results and the #EndBadGovernance protests. He accused Obi and his movement of being inactive or complicit in the face of corruption, calling them “opportunists” who benefit from the struggles of others. “Notably, his Obidient movement did not protest the presidential election results, which they repeatedly claimed he won, nor did they participate in the #EndBadGovernance protests in 2024, claiming it was set up by ‘controlled opposition’,” Sowore stated.

He further criticized Obi for his silence during the fuel price hikes and his failure to oppose the Naira redesign policy, pointing out that Obi’s ally, former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, played a crucial role in the policy. “Even with the fuel price hikes he is speaking about here, there was not a time he ever led or encouraged Nigerians to oppose it,” Sowore added.

Sowore also called out Obi for his inability to initiate any meaningful action within his movement since its inception, accusing him of using the struggles of others for personal gain without taking any substantial steps to challenge systemic injustice. “Since the establishment of his GBAJUE ‘Obidient’ movement, not once has anything been done other than inaction or gaslighting other Nigerians, especially those who rightly didn’t support his political ambition/agenda,” Sowore noted. He claimed that Obi’s movement aimed to replace a corrupt set of politicians with his own “anointed set of corrupt opportunists,” some of whom have now returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Drawing a parallel to the #EndSARS movement, Sowore warned that Obi, like other politicians, was hoping to benefit from the “sweat and blood of others” without lifting a finger to challenge the injustice faced by ordinary Nigerians. “Like #EndSARS, he, Peter Obi, is hoping to benefit from the sweat and blood of others without a finger raised to challenge injustice even against his own ‘Obidient’ movement members. OPPORTUNISTS!” Sowore concluded.

“Lagos Deserves Leaders Who Deliver, Not Those Who Take” – AAC Secretary Declares

“Lagos Deserves Leaders Who Deliver, Not Those Who Take” – AAC Secretary Declares

Jegede Kehinde, the Lagos State Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), took to his social media handle on Wednesday to criticize the political leaders who have held power in Lagos for over two decades, condemning them for poor leadership and their failure to meet the needs of the people.

He urged residents to stop supporting these politicians, whom he said have failed to provide basic services such as security, healthcare, and quality education.

“You should be angry enough to stop supporting your enemies,” Kehinde began in his passionate address. “You should be annoyed enough to stop singing praise of your slave master.”

He further admonished the support for leaders who, according to him, have failed to deliver on key responsibilities such as safety, education, and healthcare.

“You should be angry enough to stop supporting someone who couldn’t provide security, health care, sound education,” he stated. “Nothing should make you to support people that remove subsidies from every essential service you should have enjoy as a citizen.”

The AAC secretary also urged voters to break away from tribal sentiment when making political choices, advocating instead for issue-based support.

“Stop deceiving yourselves in the name of tribe. Go for persons that care about you,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Kehinde took a direct swipe at the current political establishment in Lagos, saying: “Stop supporting a wasteful 25 years officeholders in the State.”

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

The African Action Congress (AAC) unequivocally condemns the recent decision by the Kano State Government to ban all live political programmes across media platforms in the state and to impose draconian restrictions on journalists and media professionals.

This action, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, and formalized in a directive signed by the Director of Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, constitutes a grave violation of democratic principles, press freedom, and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.

The AAC views this move as an authoritarian attempt to stifle political dissent, muzzle the press, and shield the government from public accountability. The prohibition of what the government terms “provocative questions” is a deliberately vague and subjective standard designed to intimidate journalists and suppress critical inquiry. Such language provides the government with unchecked discretion to silence any form of interrogation that challenges its narrative or exposes its failures.

Furthermore, the requirement that media guests sign undertakings not to make “abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks” is not only redundant—given existing defamation and hate speech laws—but also opens the door to censorship, as these terms are undefined and could be manipulated to target opposition voices or dissenting views.

It is deeply troubling that the state seeks to control not only what is said, but how it is said, going as far as to prohibit gestures deemed suggestive. This level of surveillance over speech and expression reflects a creeping authoritarianism that has no place in a democratic society.

The AAC strongly asserts that democracy thrives on free and open discourse. It is through robust political debate, public scrutiny, and freedom of the press that governments are held accountable and citizens are empowered to make informed decisions.

While the AAC acknowledges and appreciates the laudable infrastructural and developmental projects being undertaken by the Kano State Government, we emphasize that such achievements must not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms. Development and democracy must go hand in hand.
By banning live political programmes, the Kano State Government is effectively denying the people of the state their right to hear alternative political perspectives, critically assess governance, and participate meaningfully in public life.

This action represents a clear and dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms. It is reminiscent of repressive regimes that fear transparency and public engagement. The AAC calls on civil society organizations, professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), media houses, and all citizens of conscience to reject this undemocratic imposition and demand its immediate reversal.

We also call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to resist being co-opted into enforcing these unconstitutional measures and to reaffirm its mandate to protect media freedom in Nigeria. The right to freedom of expression and press is enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be traded away for political convenience.

The AAC reiterates its commitment to fighting for justice, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria. We will continue to resist all forms of political repression and stand with the people of Kano State and the Nigerian media in defending their right to speak freely and hold power to account.

Signed:
Abba Sharif Abdullahi
Chairman, Kano State Chapter
African Action Congress (AAC)

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

The African Action Congress (AAC) unequivocally condemns the recent decision by the Kano State Government to ban all live political programmes across media platforms in the state and to impose draconian restrictions on journalists and media professionals.

This action, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, and formalized in a directive signed by the Director of Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, constitutes a grave violation of democratic principles, press freedom, and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.

The AAC views this move as an authoritarian attempt to stifle political dissent, muzzle the press, and shield the government from public accountability. The prohibition of what the government terms “provocative questions” is a deliberately vague and subjective standard designed to intimidate journalists and suppress critical inquiry. Such language provides the government with unchecked discretion to silence any form of interrogation that challenges its narrative or exposes its failures.

Furthermore, the requirement that media guests sign undertakings not to make “abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks” is not only redundant—given existing defamation and hate speech laws—but also opens the door to censorship, as these terms are undefined and could be manipulated to target opposition voices or dissenting views.

It is deeply troubling that the state seeks to control not only what is said, but how it is said, going as far as to prohibit gestures deemed suggestive. This level of surveillance over speech and expression reflects a creeping authoritarianism that has no place in a democratic society.

The AAC strongly asserts that democracy thrives on free and open discourse. It is through robust political debate, public scrutiny, and freedom of the press that governments are held accountable and citizens are empowered to make informed decisions.

While the AAC acknowledges and appreciates the laudable infrastructural and developmental projects being undertaken by the Kano State Government, we emphasize that such achievements must not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms. Development and democracy must go hand in hand.
By banning live political programmes, the Kano State Government is effectively denying the people of the state their right to hear alternative political perspectives, critically assess governance, and participate meaningfully in public life.

This action represents a clear and dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms. It is reminiscent of repressive regimes that fear transparency and public engagement. The AAC calls on civil society organizations, professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), media houses, and all citizens of conscience to reject this undemocratic imposition and demand its immediate reversal.

We also call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to resist being co-opted into enforcing these unconstitutional measures and to reaffirm its mandate to protect media freedom in Nigeria. The right to freedom of expression and press is enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be traded away for political convenience.

The AAC reiterates its commitment to fighting for justice, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria. We will continue to resist all forms of political repression and stand with the people of Kano State and the Nigerian media in defending their right to speak freely and hold power to account.

Signed:
Abba Sharif Abdullahi
Chairman, Kano State Chapter
African Action Congress (AAC)

Our Alliance Is With the Masses, Not Failed Politicians – AAC Oyo Chairman Kayode Babayomi

Our Alliance Is With the Masses, Not Failed Politicians – AAC Oyo Chairman Kayode Babayomi

Kayode Babayomi, the Oyo State Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), has made it clear that the party’s allegiance lies firmly with the Nigerian people rather than with established political elites.

In an exclusive interview with Rukiyat Ogunwade, Babayomi addressed questions regarding potential alliances or mergers with other political parties.

He unequivocally dismissed any possibility of partnering with what he described as “failed” political actors.

“I like to reiterate that the AAC is a people’s party founded on the ideals of justice, equity, and genuine transformation,” Babayomi stated. “And as such, any alliance or merger ahead of the 2027 elections will not be with politicians or political parties whose track records are steeped in perennial failure, betrayal, and recycled deception.”

He emphasized that the party’s real strength lies in its bond with everyday Nigerians, particularly those often left out of the political process. “Rather, our alliance is with the Nigerian masses who are the market women and hustling men, the unemployed youth in their millions, the forgotten farmers, and every citizen yearning for a new Nigeria,” he said.

Babayomi concluded on a hopeful note, expressing confidence in the people’s power to bring about change: “It is with the people we shall merge; it is with their collective will that we shall forge victory to take over this country and lead the Nigerian people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”