CACL Condemns AAC Over Plan to Use Federal High Court as Campaign Venue

The Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CALC) has condemned the African Action Congress (AAC) over its declaration of the environs of the Federal High Court and the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja as campaign venues, warning that the move could disrupt judicial proceedings and public order.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, CALC Secretary-General, Samuel Kolawole, described the AAC’s October 15 announcement as an irresponsible political provocation capable of turning sensitive judicial and government institutions into centres of political confrontation.
The organisation expressed concern over the mobilisation of AAC supporters to converge on the Federal High Court in Abuja, warning that such activities could undermine the independence of the judiciary and heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CALC maintained that although political parties and citizens have constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law.
It stressed that no political party should unilaterally convert court premises or government facilities into campaign grounds because its candidate is involved in litigation.
The organisation said that if the AAC believes its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is facing politically motivated litigation, the party should pursue lawful remedies through the courts rather than mobilise supporters around judicial institutions.
According to CALC, the rule of law must take precedence over political demonstrations, adding that the authority of the courts should not be undermined by partisan activities.
The group also expressed concern that confrontational political mobilisation could create tension and potentially lead to disorder as the country prepares for the next general elections.
While calling for scrutiny of activities capable of escalating political tensions, CALC acknowledged that allegations of broader attempts to undermine democratic institutions must be supported by credible evidence and subjected to proper investigation.
It urged Nigerians, particularly youths and political party supporters, to resist mobilisation that could expose them to unlawful conduct, violence or the disruption of judicial proceedings.
CALC also appealed to the AAC leadership to exercise restraint and reconsider the implications of its declaration, particularly regarding access to the courts and the safety of judges, lawyers, court personnel, security officers and other members of the public.
The organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to take appropriate preventive measures to protect the Federal High Court, the Federal Ministry of Justice and surrounding public facilities.
It further urged the agencies to investigate credible threats of violence, intimidation or organised disruption and ensure that anyone found to have committed an offence is dealt with in accordance with the law.
However, CALC emphasised that security measures must remain professional, impartial and proportionate, with full respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and lawful expression.
The group said the objective should be to prevent violence and maintain public order rather than suppress legitimate political opposition.
CALC reiterated that Nigeria’s democratic future should be determined through constitutional processes, peaceful political competition and credible elections, warning political actors against rhetoric and strategies that could inflame tensions ahead of 2027.
It urged all stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s democratic development to support peaceful political participation and respect for the law.
The organisation added that the 2027 general elections must take place in an atmosphere of peace, security and respect for democratic institutions.
The statement was signed by Kolawole on behalf of the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership.