Senator Ajibola Basiru, the national secretary of the All Progressives Congress ([APC](https://www.apc.ng)), publicly rejected African Action Congress ([AAC](https://aac.ng)) presidential hopeful [Omoyele Sowore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omoyele_Sowore)’s appeal to stage his campaign launch inside the Presidential Villa at [Aso Rock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aso_Rock), describing the proposal as a political farce.
What did Sowore request?
Sowore circulated a formal letter addressed to the Presidency in which he asked for permission to use the Aso Rock complex for the inauguration of his campaign council. The same correspondence also sought that food and drinks be provided for the guests attending the event.
How did Basiru respond?
During an interview on Channels Television’s programme *Politics Today*, Basiru dismissed the idea outright, labeling Sowore a “skit maker” and insisting that such a request would never be approved. He said, “Sowore is a skit maker. He knows that will not happen. Let him struggle to even get a seat in the House of Assembly as a political party and then people will begin to take him seriously.”
Why does Basiru consider it a skit?
Basiru argued that Sowore should first focus on winning a legislative seat at the state level before aspiring to the nation’s highest office. He highlighted that in the 2023 general election, the number of rejected ballot papers exceeded the total votes cast for AAC, implying that even invalid votes outperformed the party’s support.
What is the broader political context?
Omoyele Sowore, a veteran journalist and activist who previously faced detention for his pro‑democracy protests, is contesting the presidential election under the AAC banner. His campaign has been marked by unconventional tactics, including the recent Instagram post that sparked the controversy. Meanwhile, Basiru, as the APC’s national secretary, is responsible for coordinating the party’s administrative affairs and often serves as its spokesperson on strategic matters.
The Presidential Villa, commonly referred to as Aso Rock, is the official residence and office of the Nigerian President and is rarely opened for opposition events. Basiru’s remarks underscore the symbolic importance of the venue and signal the ruling party’s refusal to grant the opposition access for campaign activities.
The episode has drawn attention on social media, with the video of Basiru’s interview circulating widely and prompting debate about the fairness of the electoral playing field. No official response from the Presidency has been issued as of the time of writing.