CALC Condemns AAC’s Plan to Use Court Premises for Campaign, Urges Restraint

The Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CALC) 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 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, and signed by its Secretary-General, Samuel Kolawole, CALC described the party’s October 15 announcement as a provocative move that could heighten political tensions and disrupt activities around sensitive government institutions.

The organisation expressed concern over the AAC’s planned mobilisation of supporters to the Federal High Court on Monday, warning that political activities around judicial institutions could create unnecessary confrontations and interfere with the administration of justice.

CALC acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens and political parties to express grievances, criticise government policies and organise peaceful assemblies. However, it maintained that such rights must be exercised within the law and without disrupting court proceedings or threatening public order.

The group said the AAC should pursue its grievances through lawful channels if it believes that its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is facing politically motivated litigation.

According to CALC, political disagreements should be addressed through the courts and other constitutionally recognised processes rather than by turning judicial or government premises into centres of political confrontation.

The organisation also raised concerns about the potential implications of the development as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, urging political parties to avoid actions and statements that could heighten tensions or undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

It cautioned, however, that suspicions about attempts to destabilise the political environment should be assessed on the basis of credible evidence and proper investigation.

CALC urged Nigerians, particularly young people and political party supporters, not to allow themselves to be drawn into unlawful activities, violent confrontations or disruptions of judicial proceedings.

It also called on the AAC leadership to reconsider the implications of its announcement and ensure that its activities do not obstruct access to the courts, interfere with judicial functions or endanger judges, lawyers, court personnel, security officers and members of the public.

The organisation further urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to take appropriate measures to protect the Federal High Court, the Federal Ministry of Justice and surrounding public facilities.

It called for credible threats of violence, intimidation or organised disruption to be investigated, adding that anyone found to have committed an offence should be held accountable in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation.

CALC stressed that security measures must be professional, impartial and proportionate, with due respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

The organisation said the objective of any security response should be to prevent violence and preserve public order rather than suppress legitimate political opposition.

It urged political actors to exercise restraint in their public statements and mobilisation strategies ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against actions that could undermine peaceful political participation.

CALC also called on the international community and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic development to pay attention to developments that could threaten peaceful political engagement.

The organisation maintained that the 2027 general elections should be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, security and respect for the rule of law.

It added that Nigeria’s democratic future should be determined through constitutional processes, peaceful political competition and credible elections.

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