The presidential contest ahead of the 2027 general elections has sparked a fresh debate over the use of Nigeria’s seat of power for political activities, with the Young Progressives Party candidate, Dr Peter Agada, warning against turning the Presidential Villa into a campaign venue.
Agada’s position followed a request by the African Action Congress, led by its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, asking President Bola Tinubu to approve the use of Aso Villa for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council on November 11.
The AAC, in a letter dated October 21, also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for the proposed event, arguing that approval would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness and equal treatment of political parties.
But Agada, speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Friday, maintained that the Presidential Villa was a high-security government facility that should be reserved for official state business, not political gatherings.
He also cited Nigeria’s security challenges and concerns over the resurgence of Ebola as reasons the facility should not be used for social events.
While agreeing with Sowore’s criticism of politicians who, in his words, treat access to the Villa as a pathway to political relevance, the YPP candidate argued that presidential aspirants should be judged by their existing professional and business records rather than their proximity to power.
“ The true test of a Presidential candidate is not the use of Aso Villa; it is his current office,” Agada said, challenging contenders to demonstrate where they work and how they earn their livelihoods.
He questioned the credentials of aspirants who, according to him, could not identify established workplaces and residences outside their political activities, arguing that the Presidency should not be treated as an employment opportunity for politicians without demonstrable professional accomplishments.
The remarks introduced a fresh dimension to the debate over the AAC’s request, shifting attention from the party’s appeal for equal treatment to questions about the appropriate use of the seat of government during an election cycle.
Agada sought to reinforce his argument with his own business record, citing his engineering firm, Cyrus Acoustics Group Limited, which he said had 30 years of experience in road and estate construction and employed 47 staff members.
He also said his Abuja residence was built with proceeds from his engineering business rather than income from politics.
The YPP candidate disclosed that his party intended to launch its presidential campaign from its construction yard, rather than a hotel or the Presidential Villa. He challenged other aspirants to adopt a similar approach by showcasing their places of work.
“My flag-off for the YPP Presidential Campaign will be done from my construction yard, not from Sheraton or Villa,” he said, adding that his press conference would be held at his site office.
Agada further reiterated his commitment to running a lean government if elected, describing the Presidential Villa as a temporary workplace for the president rather than a political reward.
“I shall run a lean government. And I will use the Villa as a temporary site office for four years to build Nigeria, then return to my engineering office,” he said.
The controversy places the proposed AAC event at the intersection of political inclusiveness, security considerations and the conventions governing access to Nigeria’s seat of power. Whether the request will receive presidential approval was not stated in the report, but Agada’s intervention has sharpened the debate over how political parties should conduct their activities as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
