AAC Passes Vote Of No Confidence On Kogi Party’s Chairman, Appoints Orunja As Acting Head

AAC Passes Vote Of No Confidence On Kogi Party’s Chairman, Appoints Orunja As Acting Head

Twenty local government chairmen, state executive, and aggrieved members of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Kogi have unanimously passed a VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE on the state chairman, Ojodomo Musa Thomas, and the state executive of AAC while adopting Hon. Orunja Gilbert as the new acting chairman.

Released in a report by the party’s faithful, Hon. Apeh Kelvin Abuchi, Ojodomo was ousted from his position on the grounds of impersonating as the Governorship Candidate of the party during the last Kogi election; flouting the rules and decisions of the party; engaging in dishonest practices; defrauding the party; carrying out anti-party activities, and monopolising the party amidst other negligent acts.

While all executive positions at the state level were resolved, other states’ positions were left pending when their congress elections hold.

There to witness the event was the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the Police Force.

AAC Denies Endorsing Jegede For Ondo Election

AAC Denies Endorsing Jegede For Ondo Election

The African Action Congress (AAC), in the buildup of the upcoming Ondo state Gubernatorial election, has publicly denied its involvement in the endorsement of the People’s Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede.

This was released in a press statement signed by the party’s National chairman, Omoyele Sowore.

According to the release, claims of endorsement by AAC was a false publication as such an act went against the principles of the party.

“Our attention has been drawn to a false publication across the media about 11 political parties endorsing PDP’s candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, in the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial election in which our dear party, AAC, was also falsely reported to be part of the unholy endorsement.

We want to make it categorically clear and loud that as a revolutionary party, we are not and will never be part of an alliance or endorsement which only objective and goal is to continue to weaponise poverty and keep Nigerians in 21st-century slavery. We distance our party completely from this unholy alliance and also want to use this opportunity to appeal to all members and supporters of our dear party including the general public to disregard the information being peddled around the media space.

The African Action Congress is a party of oppressed Nigerians (poor and working people) and will continue to fight and stand with the masses.

AAC Boycotts 2020 Edo Elections In Protest Of INEC Unlawful Exclusion Of Its Candidate

AAC Boycotts 2020 Edo Elections In Protest Of INEC Unlawful Exclusion Of Its Candidate



The African Action Congress (AAC) Party has decided to boycott the 2020 Edo elections in protest of INEC unlawful exclusion of her party and its candidate.

This was released in a statement by the state party chairman, Comrade J.C. Hafiz Lawal today.

According to him, the Edo State Chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has resolved in solidarity, to sit at home & boycott the election in reaction to the protest.

He says: “As enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, every Nigerian from across tribes, religion, race, colour, sex, and on the required age bracket is eligible to contest for elective positions in Nigeria. However, this is not the case for African Action Congress (AAC) and Hon.Isokpan Edith when INEC, after the party’s primaries, refused to enlist the party for the Edo state election; a situation that has been challenged in the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

We believe we will get justice in court over the unlawful exclusion of the party/candidate, even if there is gross frustration in the justice system in Nigeria.

Our demands are simple, return AAC and its candidate to the ballot, and pay the damages of having the party lose teaming members to the opposition parties.

Once again, the party in the state will be sitting at home and boycotting the Edo election tomorrow. Victory is Certain!”

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.”

Judge Utilized in 2019 to Hijack AAC Party Suspended, Sowore Reacts

Judge Utilized in 2019 to Hijack AAC Party Suspended, Sowore Reacts

Following the suspension of Justice Inyang Ekwo by the National Judicial Council (NJC) over misconduct, activist and former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has spoken out, stating that the judge was involved in the politically motivated attempt to hijack the party in 2019.

Justice Ekwo, according to Sowore, played a key role in an attempt to hijack the AAC party in 2019.

Sowore made it known that Justice Ekwo played a central role in the legal maneuver used by former Rivers State Governor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike attempt to hijack the AAC. “Justice Inyang Ekwo was the judge utilized by Gov. (Now FCT Minister) Nyesom Wike in 2019 to hijack our party, the AAC. He’s brazen about his corruption,” Sowore said in a post on his social media handle.

He further described the broader state of Nigeria’s judiciary, especially at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as deeply compromised. “There are numerous judges in Nigeria… who are unfit to administer justice. The unfortunate reality is that they have caused irreparable damage to the justice system,” he said.

Sowore emphasized that it took three years of persistent legal battles to reclaim control of the AAC, crediting human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong for the victory.

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), accusing them of working together to weaken the independence of local governments.

This comes despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that clearly supports the right of local governments to run their own affairs.

In a statement issued by AAC Lagos Chairman Ayoyinka Oni and signed by State Secretary Jedege Kehinde, the party condemned what it called a “calculated effort” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and LASIEC to frustrate the implementation of genuine local government autonomy.

“This is a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court judgment which affirms the constitutional right of local governments to operate independently,” the statement read. “If no one else can govern a state where there’s an elected governor, why then should any person oversee local governments when there are elected chairmen?”

AAC pointed to the attempt by the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a bill that would have empowered the governor to appoint Mayors to head Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to the statement, this move was thwarted only after a public backlash during a legislative hearing, where the AAC and other civic voices pushed back strongly.

The party also criticised the clandestine passage of a new Lagos State Electoral Law on January 9, 2025, which reportedly occurred while the House was on recess. Governor Sanwo-Olu signed the law the following day, prompting the AAC to decry what it described as a lack of transparency and public engagement.

“It is a big disappointment,” the AAC stated, recounting how the LASIEC Chair told the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) that the law had been passed and signed without public knowledge. “When asked for a copy, she said we should go and buy it—because she herself bought the copy she uses. Since when did laws become commodities for sale? These are documents that should be accessible to the public.”

AAC also denounced the introduction of administrative fees for candidates seeking to contest in the upcoming local government elections. The party argued that LASIEC’s decision, supported only by the APC, was both unconstitutional and exclusionary, noting that 18 other IPAC member parties had rejected the fees.

“LASIEC is not a revenue-generating agency. Budgetary allocations have already been made for the election. This move will only disenfranchise capable candidates who want to serve but cannot afford the cost,” the statement read.

Further expressing concerns over election security, the AAC questioned LASIEC’s readiness to prevent electoral violence—an issue that has plagued previous polls in Lagos.

“We will not accept elections engulfed with violence, malpractice, and partisanship. If LASIEC cannot assure a level playing ground, we will not hesitate to seek political and legal redress,” the party warned.

Additionally, the AAC criticised the state government’s continued recognition of LCDAs, which are not constitutionally backed, asserting that only the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments have legal standing.

“No state has the power to create new local governments outside the constitutional process. That is a national issue that requires constitutional amendment,” AAC said.

Calling on Lagosians to reject what it described as an “illegal arrangement,” the party rallied public support.

“We invite all well-meaning Lagosians to rise and reject this constitutional violation. We must liberate Lagos from those who refuse to allow it to grow,” the statement concluded.

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), accusing them of working together to weaken the independence of local governments.

This comes despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that clearly supports the right of local governments to run their own affairs.

In a statement issued by AAC Lagos Chairman Ayoyinka Oni and signed by State Secretary Jedege Kehinde, the party condemned what it called a “calculated effort” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and LASIEC to frustrate the implementation of genuine local government autonomy.

“This is a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court judgment which affirms the constitutional right of local governments to operate independently,” the statement read. “If no one else can govern a state where there’s an elected governor, why then should any person oversee local governments when there are elected chairmen?”

AAC pointed to the attempt by the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a bill that would have empowered the governor to appoint Mayors to head Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to the statement, this move was thwarted only after a public backlash during a legislative hearing, where the AAC and other civic voices pushed back strongly.

The party also criticised the clandestine passage of a new Lagos State Electoral Law on January 9, 2025, which reportedly occurred while the House was on recess. Governor Sanwo-Olu signed the law the following day, prompting the AAC to decry what it described as a lack of transparency and public engagement.

“It is a big disappointment,” the AAC stated, recounting how the LASIEC Chair told the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) that the law had been passed and signed without public knowledge. “When asked for a copy, she said we should go and buy it—because she herself bought the copy she uses. Since when did laws become commodities for sale? These are documents that should be accessible to the public.”

AAC also denounced the introduction of administrative fees for candidates seeking to contest in the upcoming local government elections. The party argued that LASIEC’s decision, supported only by the APC, was both unconstitutional and exclusionary, noting that 18 other IPAC member parties had rejected the fees.

“LASIEC is not a revenue-generating agency. Budgetary allocations have already been made for the election. This move will only disenfranchise capable candidates who want to serve but cannot afford the cost,” the statement read.

Further expressing concerns over election security, the AAC questioned LASIEC’s readiness to prevent electoral violence—an issue that has plagued previous polls in Lagos.

“We will not accept elections engulfed with violence, malpractice, and partisanship. If LASIEC cannot assure a level playing ground, we will not hesitate to seek political and legal redress,” the party warned.

Additionally, the AAC criticised the state government’s continued recognition of LCDAs, which are not constitutionally backed, asserting that only the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments have legal standing.

“No state has the power to create new local governments outside the constitutional process. That is a national issue that requires constitutional amendment,” AAC said.

Calling on Lagosians to reject what it described as an “illegal arrangement,” the party rallied public support.

“We invite all well-meaning Lagosians to rise and reject this constitutional violation. We must liberate Lagos from those who refuse to allow it to grow,” the statement concluded.

‘AAC is the Only Opposition Party in Nigeria’ – National Publicity Secretary Reacts to Okowa’s Defection

‘AAC is the Only Opposition Party in Nigeria’ – National Publicity Secretary Reacts to Okowa’s Defection

The African Action Congress (AAC) has declared itself the only true opposition party in Nigeria, following what it describes as the defection of yet another political figure to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeyeye Olorunfemi, the National Publicity Secretary of the AAC, took to his social media platform to react to the reported defection of Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Delta State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections.

According to Olorunfemi, Okowa joined the APC after being blackmailed with corruption charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which he referred to as “Tinubu’s EFCC.”

In his post, Olorunfemi stated: “Okowa, Atiku’s VP has joined the APC after being blackmailed with corruption charges by Tinubu’s EFCC. AAC is the only opposition in Nigeria!”

Olorunfemi’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the erosion of opposition voices in Nigeria’s political space. He emphasized that the defection of key figures from the PDP, which was once regarded as the main opposition party, shows the party’s compromise and inability to withstand pressure from the ruling government.

Olorunfemi reiterated that the AAC remains committed to its foundational principles of justice, transparency, and revolutionary change, asserting that it is now the only party standing firm against the ruling elite.

He accused the political establishment of weaponizing state institutions like the EFCC to intimidate and absorb opposition politicians into the fold of the APC.