CALC condemns AAC’S declaration Of Federal High Court as campaign venue, warns against incitement, threats To democratic order

The Center for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CALC) strongly condemns the October 15, 2026, press statement issued by the African Action Congress (AAC), declaring the environs of the Federal High Court and the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja as official campaign venues for the month of October.

We consider this announcement an irresponsible and dangerous political provocation that risks turning sensitive judicial and government institutions into theatres of political confrontation. At a time when Nigeria must consolidate its democratic institutions and prepare for the 2027 general elections, no political party should engage in conduct capable of undermining public order, intimidating judicial institutions or provoking unnecessary confrontations.

CALC is particularly concerned that the AAC’s declaration, coupled with its mobilisation of supporters to converge on the Federal High Court on Monday, October 19, 2026, could encourage the politicisation of judicial proceedings and create an atmosphere of confrontation around institutions whose independence and security must be protected.

While every political party and citizen has the constitutional right to express grievances, criticise government policies and demand justice, such rights must be exercised within the limits of the law. The freedom of expression and peaceful assembly cannot be used as a justification for disrupting judicial proceedings, intimidating public institutions or creating conditions for a breakdown of law and order.

If the AAC believes that its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is being subjected to politically motivated litigation, the appropriate response is to pursue lawful remedies, present its arguments before the courts and allow the judicial process to take its course. A political party cannot unilaterally transform the premises of a court or a government ministry into campaign grounds simply because its candidate is involved in litigation.

CALC therefore rejects any attempt to normalise the use of sensitive public institutions as instruments of political confrontation. The rule of law must prevail over political theatrics, and the authority of the courts must not be diminished by partisan mobilisation.

More troubling is the broader implication of this development as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. CALC views any political strategy that deliberately heightens tension around state institutions, encourages confrontational mobilisation or creates an atmosphere of hostility as a matter requiring serious public scrutiny.

We are concerned that this development could form part of a wider effort by anti-democratic forces, within and outside Nigeria, to undermine confidence in democratic institutions, destabilise the political environment and disrupt the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.

Although such suspicions must be subjected to credible evidence and proper investigation, Nigerians must not ignore the dangers posed by political actions that could escalate into disorder, violence or the obstruction of lawful public duties.

Nigeria has made significant sacrifices to sustain constitutional governance. No individual, political party or group should be permitted to gamble with the nation’s peace and democratic stability in pursuit of partisan objectives.

CALC calls on Nigerians, particularly young people and political party supporters, to resist any mobilisation that could draw them into unlawful conduct, violent confrontation or the disruption of judicial proceedings.

Citizens must not allow themselves to become instruments in the hands of politicians who may underestimate the consequences of inflaming political tensions. Genuine democratic struggle requires discipline, responsibility, respect for the law and a commitment to peaceful civic engagement.

We also urge the AAC leadership to exercise restraint, reconsider the implications of its announcement and ensure that its activities do not obstruct access to the courts, disrupt the administration of justice or threaten the safety of judges, court personnel, lawyers, security officers and other citizens.

CALC calls on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to take appropriate preventive measures to safeguard the Federal High Court, the Federal Ministry of Justice and surrounding public facilities against any attempt to disrupt lawful activities or breach public peace.

We further urge the security agencies to investigate credible threats of violence, intimidation or organised disruption and ensure that anyone who engages in criminal conduct is dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

Such action must remain professional, impartial and proportionate, with full respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and lawful expression. The objective must be to prevent violence and preserve public order, not to suppress legitimate political opposition.

CALC reiterates that Nigeria’s democratic future must be determined through constitutional processes, peaceful political competition and credible elections—not through intimidation, disorder or attempts to bring public institutions into political confrontation.

We therefore warn all political actors against rhetoric and strategies capable of inflaming passions or creating conditions for instability ahead of 2027. The international community and all stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s democratic development should also remain attentive to developments that threaten peaceful political participation.

The 2027 general elections must hold in an atmosphere of peace, security and respect for the law. No political party has the right to endanger that objective, and no ambition is worth the price of national instability.

Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, and its democracy must be defended through lawful and peaceful means.

Yours Sincerely,

Samuel Kolawole

Secretary General

Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CALC)