Lere Olayinka Critiques Sowore's Villa Request for Campaign

Lere Olayinka, the Media Aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, criticized Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for his request to use the Presidential Villa for the inauguration of his campaign council. The AAC had written to President Tinubu on October 21, seeking approval to hold the event on November 11, 2026, and requested logistical support including food and drinks.

Sowore defended the request by stating that Aso Rock belongs to all Nigerians and that other political parties should have access to it, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) uses it for political events. Olayinka, during an interview on TVC, accused Sowore of seeking attention and suggested that his request was merely a publicity stunt, even joking that Sowore could have asked to use the President's bedroom.

He further claimed that Sowore and other opposition figures lack the necessary structure to compete effectively against Tinubu in the upcoming elections.