The Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CACL) has condemned the African Action Congress (AAC) over its reported declaration of the Federal High Court and the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja as campaign venues for October, warning that the move could heighten political tensions and disrupt public order.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, and signed by its Secretary-General, Samuel Kolawole, CACL described the AAC’s October 15 announcement as a political provocation capable of turning sensitive judicial and government institutions into centres of political confrontation.
The organisation expressed particular concern over the planned mobilisation of AAC supporters to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, warning that such activities could create an atmosphere of confrontation around institutions whose independence and security must be protected.
CACL acknowledged the constitutional rights of political parties and citizens to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the expression of grievances. However, it maintained that these rights must be exercised within the confines of the law.
According to the organisation, political activities should not interfere with judicial proceedings, intimidate public institutions or create conditions that could undermine public peace.
The group argued that if the AAC believes its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is facing politically motivated litigation, the appropriate course of action is to pursue lawful remedies through the courts rather than designate court premises or government facilities as campaign grounds.
It stressed that judicial institutions must remain free from partisan confrontation and that disputes involving political actors should be resolved through established legal processes.
Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections
CACL said the development had broader implications for Nigeria’s political environment as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The organisation warned that political mobilisation around sensitive government institutions could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in democratic processes if not handled responsibly.
It also raised concerns about what it described as the possibility of broader attempts to weaken confidence in democratic institutions and destabilise the political environment.
However, CACL acknowledged that such suspicions would require credible evidence and proper investigation, while urging Nigerians not to disregard the potential consequences of political activities that could escalate into disorder or obstruct lawful public duties.
The organisation called on political parties and their supporters, particularly young people, to exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into unlawful activities or confrontations.
It urged the AAC leadership to reconsider the implications of its announcement and ensure that its activities did not obstruct access to the courts or compromise the safety of judges, lawyers, court personnel, security officers and other citizens.
Security Agencies Urged to Act Professionally
The advocacy group also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services 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 urged the agencies to investigate credible threats of violence, intimidation or organised disruption and ensure that anyone found to have committed an offence was dealt with in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
CACL, however, cautioned that any security response must be professional, impartial and proportionate, with full respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and lawful expression.
It maintained that the objective of security interventions should be to prevent violence and preserve public order rather than suppress legitimate political opposition.
Call for Peaceful Political Participation
Reiterating its position, CACL said Nigeria’s democratic future should be determined through constitutional processes, peaceful political competition and credible elections rather than intimidation or disorder.
The organisation called on political actors to avoid rhetoric and strategies that could inflame tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also urged democratic stakeholders and the international community to remain attentive to developments that could threaten peaceful political participation in Nigeria.
According to CACL, the forthcoming elections must take place in an atmosphere of peace, security and respect for the rule of law.
The statement concluded with a call for all political actors to place national stability above partisan interests, stressing that political ambitions should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s peace and democratic institutions.