AAC Blasts Wike Over Intimidation Remarks Ahead of Council Elections

AAC Blasts Wike Over Intimidation Remarks Ahead of Council Elections

The African Action Congress (AAC), FCT chapter has criticized Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, over recent remarks deemed “malicious” and “anti-democratic” ahead of the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections.

In a press release signed by the FCT AAC Chairman, Agena Robert Ande, the party condemned Wike’s comment advising opposition parties not to “waste their time and money” contesting in the polls, calling it an “attempt to intimidate and disenfranchise” residents of the FCT.

“Wike’s statements are a brazen display of arrogance and a desperate attempt to justify the APC’s notorious record of electoral malpractices,” Ande said. “His justification of rigging in FCT, citing Tinubu’s so-called achievements, is laughable and a diversion from the harsh realities facing Nigerians.”

The AAC accused the Tinubu-led federal government of worsening the living conditions of ordinary citizens, citing the naira’s devaluation, spiraling inflation, mass unemployment, and a crumbling social infrastructure. “Many youths have been pushed into degrading jobs just to survive, while basic services like healthcare, education, and electricity remain in a state of collapse,” the statement added.

The statement also took aim at Wike’s performance as FCT Minister, accusing him of prioritizing lavish building renovations over fair wages for teachers, resulting in prolonged school closures. “Primary school children have been out of school for months under his watch,” Ande stated. “Meanwhile, he renovates buildings with billions and presides over widespread corruption, land grabbing, and blatant disregard for the rule of law.”

The party further condemned threats by the FCT administration to revoke residents’ property rights over political affiliations, warning that such intimidation tactics represent “a clear violation of democratic norms.”

“Wike must stop blackmailing the people of the FCT and allow them to exercise their democratic rights freely. We will not be cowed by threats. The AAC is fully prepared to mobilize the people and contest the upcoming elections,” the statement concluded.

2027 elections won’t be different if Nigerians ignore ideology – AAC chairman warns

2027 elections won’t be different if Nigerians ignore ideology – AAC chairman warns

The Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), Lagos State Chapter, Ayoyinka Oni, has emphasized the critical importance of ideology in shaping the nation’s political future.

Speaking during an interview with Independent Correspondent, Ejike Omenazu, Oni declared that socialism remains the only path to genuine liberation and sustainable development for Nigeria.

When asked to assess the role ideology would play in the forthcoming elections, Oni expressed concern that Nigerians still largely lack an ideological compass in their political choices.

According to him, the ongoing trend in recent bye-elections suggests that most voters remain uninformed or unconcerned about the ideological stance of the candidates they support.

“Nigerians are yet to understand that ideology is key and important in choosing leadership,” Oni stated. “2027 is already around the corner. If we will be using what is going on now to determine if they will be critical about ideology, the answer will definitely be ‘No’. This is because of all the bye-elections that we have seen so far.”

Despite this, the AAC Lagos Chairman remains optimistic, stressing the party’s commitment to ongoing public enlightenment. “We will continue to educate them and we believe and know it is possible for them to get understanding before 2027,” he added.

Oni argued that Nigeria’s current economic and political struggles are deeply rooted in its lack of ideological direction, particularly its subservience to global capitalist interests.

He criticized the prevailing neoliberal economic model which, according to him, has turned Nigeria into an “open market to world capitalists” who dictate the country’s trade policies and prices.

“As far as a working society is concerned, socialism is the key to liberate Nigeria,” he affirmed. “We have to produce, refine and mine our own resources, while we determine our prices. Also, own our assets and companies.”

Oni also condemned successive Nigerian governments for what he described as the wholesale auctioning of the nation’s wealth and sovereignty. “The present crop of politicians have sold us and even sold our resources. Only socialism can stop it.”

He advocated for a system of resource control that guarantees that all citizens benefit directly from the natural and mineral wealth in their communities. “Allow resource control by making sure all citizens get the benefit from the resources on their land, be it mineral or natural resources,” Oni insisted.

The AAC, a party founded on socialist principles and led nationally by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, has continued to present itself as a radical alternative to the dominant political forces in the country.

AAC Slams Makinde Over ₦64bn Government House Renovation in Oyo

AAC Slams Makinde Over ₦64bn Government House Renovation in Oyo

The African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo State chapter, has condemned Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration over its recent approval of ₦63.5 billion for the renovation of the state’s Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, describing the project as extravagant, unjustifiable, and a cover for grand-scale corruption.

The Oyo State Executive Council, on Wednesday, approved a total of ₦63,479,858,000 for what it described as a comprehensive overhaul of the Government House facilities.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the project seeks to upgrade an “embarrassing and unbefitting” Government House, which has reportedly been abandoned for six years.

However, in a statement issued Thursday by Kayode Babayomi, the Chairman for the AAC in Oyo State, he lambasted the Makinde-led government for prioritising luxury over public welfare.

The party argued that the renovation cost is an insult to the suffering masses, especially amid ongoing challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

“It is deeply disturbing that, at a time when Oyo people are grappling with the rising cost of living, poor schools, and crumbling healthcare systems, Governor Makinde deems it appropriate to allocate over ₦60 billion for the renovation of a Government House,” AAC stated.

The party pointed out that the proposed amount is ₦5 billion more than the state’s entire 2025 health sector allocation, which is supposed to cater to over 7 million residents. It also noted that the figure surpasses the state’s total education budget in 2023 and triples the healthcare allocation from the previous year, which only had a 70% implementation rate.

“This decision exposes the misplaced priorities of the administration. The real embarrassment in Oyo is not the Government House—it is the state of our schools and hospitals. This renovation budget cannot be justified by any reasonable standard,” the statement added.

AAC further alleged that the renovation scheme is a calculated move to pad the budget and divert public funds, stressing that even a completely new Government House should not cost half of the approved sum.

“You don’t need to be a construction expert to recognize this for what it is: systematic looting disguised as development. The figures simply do not add up,” the party said.

The statement also criticised what it described as the misuse of increased FAAC allocations under the Makinde government, saying that higher federal revenue inflows have only led to more waste and elite projects that serve a narrow political class.

Reaffirming its commitment to people-centered governance, AAC urged the people of Oyo State to rise in defense of their collective resources and reject governance defined by corruption and cosmetic projects.

“The true development of any state is not in grandiose buildings, but in the well-being of its citizens. That is the only meaningful legacy a government can leave,” the party declared.

AAC concluded with a call to action, encouraging Oyo residents to demand transparency and mobilize for a change in political leadership.

“We call on the people of Oyo State to hold this government accountable. Makinde’s priorities do not align with the public interest. We must organize and prepare to remove these corrupt actors from our political system,” the statement added.

AAC Anambra Slams N50m Campaign Fee, Set to Protest Against “Undemocratic” Policy

AAC Anambra Slams N50m Campaign Fee, Set to Protest Against “Undemocratic” Policy

The African Action Congress (AAC), Anambra State chapter, has condemned the imposition of a ₦50 million campaign advertisement fee by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), declaring it a deliberate move to suppress opposition voices ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

In response, the party has announced a protest scheduled for Friday, June 20, to be held at the ANSAA office.

The demonstration aims to challenge the exploitative and unconstitutional policy designed to limit political participation and marginalise grassroots movements.

The protest comes in reaction to recent guidelines issued by ANSAA’s Managing Director/CEO, Tony Ujubuonu, who stated that each of the 16 officially cleared governorship candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must pay ₦50 million to obtain a campaign permit. According to Ujubuonu, the fee is a prerequisite for parties to legally conduct campaign-related activities using posters, banners, rallies, and other promotional tools across the state’s 21 local government areas.

In a statement released Thursday by Chimezie Uzoukwu, Media Director of the Chioma 2025 Campaign Committee, the AAC described the fee as “exploitative, undemocratic, and economically disenfranchising.”

“This fee seeks to stifle political participation and limit the ability of grassroots campaigns to engage with the public,” the statement read. “AAC stands firmly for justice, transparency, and the right of the people to be heard. We cannot remain silent in the face of policies aimed at silencing alternative leadership voices.”

Calling on activists, civil society groups, members of the media, and all defenders of democracy to join the protest, AAC declared its unwavering commitment to people-first governance in Anambra State.

“We reject any attempt to use state institutions to entrench elite dominance while suppressing working-class-led alternatives. The streets will speak for the people,” the statement concluded.

‘Renewed Hope’ banners in Benue a shameless disrespect to the dead – AAC denounces Tinubu’s visit

‘Renewed Hope’ banners in Benue a shameless disrespect to the dead – AAC denounces Tinubu’s visit

The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the display of large banners in Benue State thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his condolence visit, describing the act as “shameless” and an insult to the victims of the ongoing killings in the region.

In a statement posted by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olorunfemi Adeyeye, on Wednesday, the AAC criticized what it called the ruling party’s attempt to whitewash tragedy with propaganda.

The banners, bearing the inscription “Renewed Hope, Rising Benue. Thank you Mr President for your condolence with the people of Benue,” were spotted across parts of the state as President Tinubu arrived for a one-day visit.

“And just like I predicted, there are large banners in Benue today with the inscription… Tinubu and the APC are shameless,” the AAC spokesperson stated.

He further described the political atmosphere in the country as an “asylum,” noting that “there’s no level of madness you won’t see. There’s always a new level to be unlocked each day.”

The party said the condolence visit, which comes amid widespread criticism over the federal government’s failure to halt the relentless attacks and killings in Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt, amounted to a performative gesture lacking in concrete action or justice for the victims.

President Tinubu’s visit comes in the wake of public outcry over the recent wave of deadly attacks in Benue, which have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

AAC FCT Chapter Slams FCT Administration’s Heinous Neglect of Primary School Teachers

AAC FCT Chapter Slams FCT Administration’s Heinous Neglect of Primary School Teachers

PRESS STATEMENT

AAC FCT Chapter Slams FCT Administration’s Heinous Neglect of Primary School Teachers

The African Action Congress (AAC) FCT Chapter is outraged and appalled by the FCT Administration’s egregious neglect and disregard for the welfare of primary school teachers in the nation’s capital. The ongoing strike by teachers, now heading to its 90th day, is a damning indictment of the administration’s callous indifference to the plight of educators and the future of our children.

The AAC FCT Chapter condemns in the strongest possible terms the FCT Administration’s brazen disregard for the agreements reached with the teachers. The administration’s failure to implement the N70,000 minimum wage and pay outstanding allowances is a clear demonstration of its lack of commitment to the education sector and its willingness to trample on the rights of workers.

We denounce the FCT Administration’s priorities, which are clearly skewed towards grandiose and wasteful projects that serve no purpose other than to line the pockets of cronies and political allies. The rehabilitation of the ICC and other similar projects with such very scary and prodigious amount unaccounted for are a monumental waste of public resources and a stark reminder of the administration’s lack of empathy and understanding of the needs of the people.

The AAC FCT Chapter demands that the FCT Administration takes immediate and concrete actions to resolve the strike and meet the teachers’ demands. This includes implementing the N70,000 minimum wage, paying outstanding allowances, and prioritizing education and the welfare of teachers. Anything short of this will be a clear indication of the administration’s lack of seriousness and commitment to the education sector.

We call on the people of FCT to rise up and demand accountability from their leaders. The AAC FCT Chapter stands in solidarity with the teachers and will continue to advocate for their rights and welfare. We will not be silenced or intimidated by the administration’s attempts to suppress dissent and criticism.

The people of FCT deserve better. It’s time for change.

Signed

AGENA ROBERT ANDE
Chairman, AAC FCT Chapter

AAC Slams Governor Alia Over Brutal Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters in Benue

AAC Slams Governor Alia Over Brutal Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters in Benue

The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned the violent suppression of peaceful protesters in Makurdi, Benue State, describing the government’s response as “state-sponsored brutality” and a “cowardly betrayal” of the people by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Agena Robert Ande, human rights activist and Chairman of the AAC in the Federal Capital Territory, decried the violent dispersal of citizens who had gathered to demand an end to the ongoing killings in the state.

According to Ande, security forces unleashed “unrestrained violence” on the demonstrators, deploying armoured vehicles, helicopters, and tear gas to intimidate and disperse the unarmed crowd.

“This is a damning indictment of the government’s utter disregard for human life,” Ande said. “Rather than show leadership and compassion, Governor Alia chose brute force, ordering a military-style crackdown on peaceful protesters. It is a shameful, thuggish response to legitimate public outcry.”

Ande slammed Governor Alia for failing to engage with the protesters or condemn the violence they were rallying against. Instead, he accused the governor of opting for repression, further eroding public trust in his administration.

“Deploying such excessive force against unarmed citizens is nothing short of state violence,” he added. “It shows a complete lack of empathy and highlights the incompetence of a government that would rather silence its people than address their pain.”

The AAC leader linked the worsening insecurity in Benue to what he called the government’s longstanding failure to confront the root causes—particularly the repeated attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen on rural communities.

“For years, Fulani herdsmen have terrorised Benue communities while the government stood idle,” Ande said. “Governor Alia’s attempts to deflect blame are a clear sign that he lacks the courage and political will to face the real threat.”

He called on the governor to take immediate action, beginning with a public condemnation of the killings and the development of a concrete security strategy to protect lives and property.

“It’s no longer enough to issue statements after each attack,” Ande stressed. “Governor Alia must take full responsibility and coordinate with security agencies to craft a clear plan for the safety of the people.”

He also raised concerns about the suspected involvement of attackers from neighbouring Nasarawa State, urging cross-border cooperation to prevent further violence.

“Multiple victims have identified Nasarawa as the base from which some of these attackers launch their operations,” Ande said. “Governor Alia must engage with his counterparts in neighbouring states to shut down safe havens for these terrorists.”

Addressing reports of brutality during the protest, Ande condemned the use of live bullets and the manhandling of demonstrators.

“The accounts of peaceful protesters being beaten and handed over to police by government-backed thugs are deeply troubling,” he said. “This is a direct attack on the rights of citizens to express their grievances. It must not go unpunished.”

Although the exact number of arrests remains unclear, Ande reiterated that the people of Benue will not be intimidated into silence.

“Benue people are tired of empty promises and rising body counts,” he said. “They will not forget this betrayal. They will continue to demand justice, accountability, and real action from a government that has so far failed them.”

He concluded with a warning to the state government: “This crisis will not disappear through violence and denial. It will only end when those in power take responsibility and act decisively in defence of human lives.”

What June 12 1993 was Not, By Adeola Soetan

What June 12 1993 was Not, By Adeola Soetan

June 12 election was not about ethnicity, tribal contempt, religious hatred, election rigging, ballot snatching, political thuggery, empty sloganeering, mass poverty, police brutality and other social vices that perpetually divide the people and destroy a nation while rogue politicians are always united in looting, profligacy and power greed.

These were the reasons why MKO Abiola, a Yoruba man from Ogun state & presidential candidate of SDP defeated Bashir Tofa, a Fulani man from Kano state & presidential candidate of NRC, in his home state of, Kano with a wide margin. He won many states in the north, SS, SE, and SW..Jonathan Zwingina, a Christian from Adamawa was Abiola’s right hand man & HOPE 93 Campaign DG throughout the campaign period.

On Jun 12, Voters came out enmasse to vote peacefully for the candidates of their choice. No Igbo for Igbo candidate, Hausa-Fumani for the northern candidate or Yoruba votes for Yoruba Candidate nonsense by the two presidential candidates. . People voted for their preferred choice based on program, integrity and hope of performance by candidates.

That’s the real lesson of June 12 election won overwhelmingly by MKO Abiola. The criminal annulment of June 12 by IBB rogue junta sparked off protests across Nigeria with thousands of citizens killed, maimed or killed before IBB used unprincipled politicians to give June 12 struggle false ethnic biases because of their power greed & rotten compromise,.

The same rotten compromise was ably displayed recently when many of these unprincipled politicians gathered in Abuja to celebrate Babangida the general who annulled June 12 election where he publicly presented a book of falsification of history

Unprincipled bourgeois politicians are the same, it’s WE the people who own the power of votes that should vote conscientiously for candidates beyond ethnic, religious, tribal and other primordial sentiments. That is the real meaning of JUNE 12.

Nigeria hasn’t learned from 2015, only AAC offers real change — Adeyeye

Nigeria hasn’t learned from 2015, only AAC offers real change — Adeyeye

Olorunfemi Adeyeye, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), has stated that Nigeria appears to have learned nothing from the political mistakes of 2015, warning that the country risks repeating the same cycle of leadership failure.

In a statement shared on his social media page Tuesday, Adeyeye declared that only the AAC offers a genuine alternative to the status quo, criticizing other opposition figures, particularly Peter Obi, for lacking clear ideological direction.

“Obi said he would do same things Tinubu is doing but in an organized manner,” Adeyeye wrote. “What is ‘organized manner’?”

The AAC spokesperson referenced a previous exchange with political activist Deji Adeyanju, stating, “This is what I meant when I replied Comrade Adeyanju Deji on the opposition debate.”

Adeyeye emphasized that being in an opposition party does not automatically make one part of the opposition, arguing that true opposition is defined by ideas and principles, not mere political affiliation.

“These guys are not opposing anything. Opposition is not being in another party. It’s about having an opposing idea and content,” he said.

He questioned the intent behind gaining political power without a clear ideological departure from the current system, warning against a repeat of past political cycles.

“Is the plan about grabbing power by any means, only to repeat what’s being done today? Just like APC did in 2015? That would only mean that we have not learnt anything.”

Adeyeye concluded by declaring the AAC as the only party offering real alternatives in today’s Nigeria, stating emphatically, “The AAC is the only opposition in Nigeria today!”

AAC Clarifies It Did Not Endorse Governor Umo Eno, Rejects Claims by PDP, APC, IPAC

AAC Clarifies It Did Not Endorse Governor Umo Eno, Rejects Claims by PDP, APC, IPAC

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has firmly disassociated itself from a recent endorsement of Governor Umo Eno, clarifying that it had no part in the gesture reportedly made by leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

In a statement released on Saturday, the AAC State Chairman, Elder Utip Etiebet, reaffirmed the party’s independence and commitment to fielding its own candidates in all upcoming elections.

“We wish to assure our members, supporters, and the general public that the AAC remains fully focused on contesting the gubernatorial, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections,” Etiebet stated.

He further emphasized that at no time had the party contemplated endorsing any candidate from outside its fold, particularly given the strong interest from credible aspirants within the AAC.

“The African Action Congress has not, and will not, endorse any external candidate. We have credible individuals currently vying for positions under our platform, and we are confident in our chances of winning both the governorship and legislative seats,” he added.

The party described the endorsement of Governor Eno by PDP, APC, and IPAC officials as an expression of their own parties’ positions and not representative of the AAC.

“The chairmen of the PDP, APC, and IPAC have no authority to speak on behalf of the African Action Congress in Akwa Ibom State,” Etiebet said.

Reiterating the party’s core principles, Etiebet concluded that the AAC remains committed to advancing democracy through transparency and issue-based politics.