THE CENTRE for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CALC) has condemned the African Action Congress (AAC) for declaring the environs of the Federal High Court and the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja as campaign venues for October, warning that the move could lead to confrontation around sensitive public institutions.
In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Samuel Kolawole, CALC said the AAC’s October 15, 2026, announcement was a “political provocation” that risked undermining public order and intimidating judicial institutions.
The organisation also expressed concern over the AAC’s mobilisation of supporters to converge on the Federal High Court on Monday, October 19, saying such a gathering could contribute to the politicisation of judicial proceedings and create an atmosphere of confrontation.
CALC acknowledged the rights of political parties and citizens to express grievances, criticise government policies and demand justice, but said such activities must be conducted within the law.
The organisation said that if the AAC believed its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was facing politically motivated litigation, the party should pursue lawful remedies and present its arguments before the courts.
“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 said.
The group further warned against what it described as the use of sensitive public institutions as instruments of political confrontation, stressing that the rule of law and the authority of the courts should be protected.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, CALC said it was concerned that political actions that heighten tensions around state institutions could contribute to instability. It also raised concerns about what it described as possible efforts by “anti-democratic forces” within and outside Nigeria to undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
CALC, however, said such suspicions should be supported by credible evidence and subjected to proper investigation.
The organisation called on Nigerians, particularly young people and political party supporters, to avoid mobilisation that could result in unlawful conduct, violence or disruption of judicial proceedings.
It also urged the AAC leadership to reconsider the implications of its announcement and ensure that its activities did not obstruct access to the courts or disrupt the administration of justice.
CALC called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to take preventive measures to protect the Federal High Court, the Federal Ministry of Justice and surrounding public facilities.
It said any investigation or enforcement action should be professional, impartial and proportionate, while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and lawful expression.
CALC said Nigeria’s democratic future should be determined through constitutional processes, peaceful political competition and credible elections, and urged political actors to avoid rhetoric or strategies that could inflame tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation concluded by calling for the elections to be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, security and respect for the law.
