Sowore Challenges APC Over Presidential Villa Use, Demands Receipts
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA – Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to produce receipts for its alleged use of the Presidential Villa banquet hall for political meetings, event launches and weddings, insisting that opposition parties should enjoy the same access to the facility and its accompanying logistics, catering and security.
Sowore, an activist, argued that if the ruling party could use the presidential facility for political and social activities with logistical support, other political parties should not be denied similar privileges.
He maintained that the APC’s alleged use of the facility raised questions about fairness and equal treatment of political parties, particularly when public resources were involved.
“The APC has been using the Presidential Villa for meetings, launches, and weddings in some cases. It is fair for us to ask,” Sowore said.
He added that any demand for payment for the use of the banquet hall should be matched with evidence that the APC had also paid for its previous activities at the venue.
“We will only pay for this if the APC can provide receipts for all the times they used the Presidential Villa banquet hall,” he stated.
The AAC presidential candidate’s remarks highlight the debate over the use of government-owned facilities for partisan activities and whether political parties should be subjected to equal conditions when accessing such properties.
The Presidential Villa, which houses the seat of Nigeria’s presidency, is a key government facility. Questions about its use for party events often raise concerns about the separation of official government business from partisan political activities.
Sowore’s position also draws attention to the need for transparency in the management of public facilities, particularly regarding payments, catering arrangements, security and other logistical services provided for events held on government premises.
His demand for receipts places the burden on the ruling party to demonstrate whether payments were made for its alleged use of the banquet hall and whether similar requirements apply to other political organisations.
The activist has frequently criticised the political establishment and called for greater accountability in the management of public resources.
However, Sowore’s statement did not provide specific dates for the APC events he referenced or documentary evidence of the alleged arrangements. The APC’s response to his demand was also not included in the statement.
