URGENT WARNING TO THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE

The African Action Congress (AAC) FCT Chapter and the Take it Back Movement FCT Chapter are compelled to address a disturbing incident that occurred yesterday during a peaceful protest led by Mr. Omoyele Sowore to the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Abuja. The protest aimed to demand better pensions, salaries, and welfare for police officers, particularly the rank and file, and pensioners.

During the protest, a reprehensible act of thuggery was perpetrated by a police planted mufti man identified as AKU VICTOR CHIEMERIE, who was caught on camera snatching Mr. Sowore’s AI glasses, prescribed to him by his medical doctor. This deliberate and criminal act was clearly intended to provoke Mr. Sowore and other comrades whom accompanied him and incite violence among the peaceful protesters. However, Mr. Sowore demonstrated remarkable restraint and calm, instead calling for respect and requesting the return of his glasses.

WE ISSUE A CLEAR WARNING TO THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE:

The AAC FCT Chapter and the Take it Back Movement FCT Chapter demand the immediate return of Mr. Sowore’s AI glasses. We will not tolerate such brazen acts of lawlessness and disrespect by law enforcement agencies. Mr. Sowore is already a two times Presidential candidate of this country. He is supposed to be treated with high respect like anyone in leadership today. His only crime is emphatically insisting that Nigeria must be great in all areas including the welfare of the police.

The suspected police planted man, AKU VICTOR CHIEMERIE will face direct legal charges if the glasses are not returned forthwith. We possess irrefutable evidence, including video footage, that will be used against him in a court of law.

WE DEMAND:

• The immediate return of Mr. Sowore’s AI glasses.
• A thorough investigation into the actions of the police officer involved.
• Disciplinary action against the officer, in accordance with the law.
• An apology to Mr. Sowore and the Nigerian people for this egregious act.

WE WARN THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE AUTHORITIES:

Your actions will be closely monitored, and any further acts of aggression or lawlessness will be met with swift and decisive action within the law. We will not be silenced in the face of lawlessness and injustice. We will continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of all Nigerians, including police officers and we are saying, Pay them reasonable now. This is our country and we have every right to love good in our country. No Nigerian should be a slaves in their own Nation.

SIGNED,

AGENA ROBERT ANDE
Chairman, AAC FCT Chapter

Moses Andrew
Chairman, Take it Back Movement FCT Chapter

The African Action Congress (AAC) FCT Chapter is outraged and appalled by the recent demolition of homes in Karsana community, Abuja, which has left countless families homeless, destitute, and traumatized. This brazen act of violence, carried out with the backing of armed police, is a stark reminder of the callous disregard for human life and dignity that pervades our society.

The circumstances surrounding this demolition are shrouded in controversy, with allegations of corrupt dealings, blatant disregard for due process, and a clear disregard for the rights and dignity of the affected citizens. It is unconscionable that in a society that prides itself on being civilized, such brutal and inhumane actions can be perpetrated against vulnerable citizens, including women, children, and the elderly.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the wanton destruction of property and the displacement of innocent citizens. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, must take immediate action to address this egregious situation. We demand that the minister:

• Ensure fair and adequate compensation to all affected families, taking into account the trauma and hardship they have endured. The compensation must be prompt, just, and sufficient to enable the families to rebuild their lives.
• Provide alternative housing for the displaced families, to prevent further suffering and hardship. The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure that they have access to basic necessities like shelter.

Furthermore, we call on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected families, including shelter, food, and other essential necessities. The historical context of the Karsana community cannot be ignored; the very name of the community is a testament to the decades-long existence of its inhabitants, long before this administration’s tenure. It is imperative that any development agenda prioritizes the rights and dignity of the people, guided by due process and the rule of law. Development without people is meaningless; thus, we emphasize that the welfare of citizens must be paramount in any development initiative.

The AAC FCT Chapter will not be silence while the rights of citizens are trampled upon. We are a party of truth, We will continue to speak out against injustice and demand accountability from those in power. We will fight tirelessly to ensure that the rights of the people of Karsana are respected and protected.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Karsana and demand justice for the affected families. We will not rest until the government takes concrete actions to address the suffering and hardship inflicted on these innocent citizens.

To the government, we say: enough is enough. It is time to prioritize the welfare and dignity of citizens over the interests of powerful individuals and corporations. It is time to uphold the law and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their social status or location.

Signed,

AGENA ROBERT ANDE
Chairman, AAC FCT Chapter

The Gombe State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has raised serious concerns over the prolonged detention of six individuals arrested in connection with the Mai Tangle leadership crisis, including a person living with a disability.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, AAC State Chairman, Bobo Benson Bagwiba, asked the state government to intervene and ensure justice for the detainees, some of whom have been held in custody since 2021 without trial or conviction.

The letter listed the detainees as Abdon Lamai (popularly known as Sarkin Samarai), Moses Dan Alfa (a person living with disability), Shedrack Timothy (AKA Lagos), Malachi Charles, Grace Timothy, and Felix Paul (AKA Bonny).

According to Bagwiba, the individuals were “randomly arrested without clear evidence linking them directly to the violent acts” that erupted during the Mai Tangle leadership tussle.

“It is deeply troubling that these individuals have been denied justice for over three years. Prolonged detention without trial undermines the constitutional rights of every Nigerian,” Bagwiba said.

He particularly highlighted the case of Moses Dan Alfa, stressing that “his condition as a person living with disability makes his continued incarceration especially inhumane and unjust.”

Citing Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the AAC chairman reminded the governor that every citizen is entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time. “It is imperative for the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is left to languish in jail without due process,” he stated.

The AAC Gombe State chapter called on the governor to direct the appropriate authorities to either expedite the trial process or release the detainees if there is insufficient evidence to prosecute them.

As of the time of compiling this report, the Gombe State Government has yet to respond to the AAC’s demand.

Press release by the African Action Congress, Lagos

CALL FOR TOTAL CANCELLATION OF THE SHAM LAGOS STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION.

The outcome of today’s election is nothing to write home about. Without any doubt, this has been predicted by us, because the foundation of a building does determine how it could withstand a storm.

LASIEC knew that they had failed before today, as the process was marred with a lot of lapses from the beginning.

All our Agents reported late arrival of the electoral officials in their various local government. LASIEC officials came to the polling units at 12pm and many others even later. The issue of lateness caused a wide spread discouragement to lots of electorates, as they had to go back home before the arrival of the LASIEC officials. This was done intentionally to disenfranchise the voters.

When Adhoc staff were challenged they complained of receiving ballot papers late and also some of them said they requested for funds in the morning and they were not given. You can imagine the level of incompetence.

Some party logos were not on the ballot paper. The lack of preparation which the public are aware of, eroded public confidence, as this brings about voters apathy in the State.

LASIEC is a shame to democracy. What kind of sham election is this! No form of accreditation. Anybody can just present anyone’s PVC as far as you claim the name on the voters list and vote, or many even voting without any voters list checked. We were aware that LASIEC isn’t ready for any credible election through the manners in which they handle the screening process and validation and what has happened today so far is just a confirmation of what we already know.

LASIEC staff were not hiding the disgusting way of collecting bribes, it shows decadence and lack of integrity within the State electoral umpire. They clinically and shamelessly allowed the APC party agents and thugs to rig the election.

The security was zero, police couldn’t be on the ground as they usually do during the protest. There was violence in both Ikosi-Isheri Mile 12 and Ajeromi Ifelodun and threats of violence all over the state. It was not funny to hear from a DPO to telling a complainant that they can’t be everywhere, this shows the levels of failure in the system, if citizens couldn’t be protected during a state local government election, it pointed to the fact that we are in a failed country.

Ignoring the threats reported is the highest crime security agency could commit. Security lapses equally aided myriad election malpractice carry out today.
We are calling for the total cancellation of the sham election conducted by the LASIEC, it can’t be called free talk less fair. The election didn’t follow the guidelines of the electoral law and also the training manual of LASIEC. In many centers there was no displacement of the voters details while many of the officials colluded with APC to rigged. It is disheartening as the time countries around the world are gearing towards better and stable democracy, here we have LASIEC dismantling our already fragile democracy. All political parties asked to sign the hypocrisy “Peace Accord” prepared by the LASIEC while All Progressive Congress APC was quick to sign and turn to inflicting injuries on opponents and causing chaos everywhere during the election.

This is not an election, it is worse than a coup. APC through the help of LASIEC have eventually battered democracy. We are saying nothing lasts forever, the table will soon turn!

We demand immediate cancellation of the entire exercise, immediate resignation of Justice Bola Okikioku Ighile (RTD ) and also the resignation of Babajide Sanwolu for the intentional appointment of an incompetent Chairman of the Electoral body.

Signed:

Jegede Kehinde
State Secretary

Ayoyinka Oni
Chairman

12-07-2025

The African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State has strongly condemned the recently formed opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing it as a desperate alliance of failed politicians seeking to return to power through the backdoor.

In a statement released by the party’s state chairman, Kayode Babayomi, the AAC described the coalition as a gathering of “discredited and opportunistic figures” who have contributed to the state’s socio-economic woes and now seek political relevance under the guise of unity.

Babayomi declared that the people of Oyo should not be deceived by what he termed a recycled set of political actors who have jumped from party to party in pursuit of selfish interests.

“What Oyo needs is an alliance of the oppressed—not a reunion of political failures dressed up as saviors,” he said.

The AAC chair emphasized that the solution to Oyo’s challenges would not come from coalitions formed by the same old faces who contributed to the state’s backwardness.

He particularly took aim at the ADC, describing the party as defunct and unfit to lead any progressive movement.

“Their new platform is a dead party we warned about long ago. They’re only making noise, peddling false hope, and masking their desperation for power,” Babayomi added.

Reiterating AAC’s ideological stance, Babayomi positioned the party as the only credible alternative committed to grassroots mobilisation and genuine transformation.

He encouraged citizens to join the party in building a people-powered movement capable of dislodging the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its governor, Seyi Makinde.

“These so-called coalition builders are the same individuals who plunged us into this mess. They cannot be trusted with the future of Oyo State,” he said.

Babayomi reaffirmed AAC’s commitment to mobilising across all local governments in the state in preparation for the 2027 general elections, noting that the party is not a “special purpose vehicle” for elites, but a movement rooted in the everyday struggles of ordinary people.

“We are with the people and for the people. Oyo residents who are tired of deception and recycled failures must unite with AAC to take back our state,” he concluded.

He urged all progressive-minded residents, workers, students, and the poor to align with the AAC’s vision and help drive the movement for real and lasting change.

“AAC is the only path to political truth and social justice. We will breathe life back into our communities and restore dignity to governance,” Babayomi declared.

LAISEC: Validation of Candidates or Disenfranchisement?

Lagosians will recall that the African Action Congress has challenged all the processes and planning towards the 2025 local government elections, from how the electoral law was passed in a clandestine manner to the appointment of the LASIEC Chairman and her team, to the administrative fee, and the introduction of guidelines without notifying party leaders. LASIEC has reacted to some of our concerns without providing solutions and has remained silent on others. However, we have refused to let this discourage us from participating in the election process, because we believe that all these actions are engineered by Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government to allow a free passage for candidates in his political party.

On June 24th, we received a letter from LASIEC for validation and verification of candidates’ documents, scheduled for Thursday, June 26th. Prior to this, we had submitted all documents to LASIEC, but nevertheless, we instructed our candidates to come with the original documents. However, LASIEC, without any prior instruction in the letter, suddenly pasted guidelines on Thursday morning when candidates arrived, which included asking them to bring a photocopy of the sponsor’s voter’s card. They refused to apologize for this omission on their part, which most party chairmen stated was not even necessary.

Candidates left the LASIEC office late at night, only to arrive again today and face another baseless challenge. By 8 pm on Monday night, candidates from our political party and other parties were still at the LASIEC office with no verification done. Now, information has it that the APC successfully completed their verification exercise over the weekend. They were given two complete days, and we didn’t hear of any challenges. Is LASIEC working for the APC or for all political parties in Lagos?

Despite paying an administrative fee for a job they are paid with taxpayers’ money to do, they still gave us an administrative nightmare in handling our candidates. The APC is getting a smooth validation exercise while other parties, who are supposed to be busy campaigning, are spending a whole day at LASIEC. We believe this is intentional and a method to frustrate our candidates out of the election process, and that will not happen.

We call on the Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Bola Okikiolu Ighile, and other members of her team – Samson Ajibade, Akin Durojaiye, Olumide Metilelu, Abeeb Dapo, and Oladele Adekanye – if they still have integrity, as they claim, to quickly sit up and solve this disgraceful administrative problem. Failure to do so will attract an immediate shutdown of activities in the LASIEC office until it is resolved.

Candidates who are supposed to be collating their polling unit agents for an election that is barely 12 days away are busy spending the whole day at the LASIEC office. Is this the creativity, dedication, and deep sense of duty that Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised Lagosians would get from LASIEC when he appointed this team at the Banquet Hall in Ikeja? If LASIEC can’t conduct a simple verification and validation exercise, how can they conduct free, fair, and credible elections? Justice Bola Okikiolu Ighile should stop joking with us. This has become a joke taken too far.

Signed: Ayoyinka Oni, Chairman, Lagos AAC.”

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.

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.

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