YPP candidate Peter Agada criticises plans to hold a campaign event at Aso Villa, urging Sowore and other candidates to demonstrate their work records
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) presidential candidate, Peter Agada, has cautioned African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore against using the Presidential Villa in Abuja for political campaigning, arguing that the facility should be reserved for official government activities.
Also read: Adeleke Backs Accord Candidates Despite Tinubu Coalition
Agada made the remarks at a media parley in Abuja on Friday, October 23, 2026, following the AAC’s request to President Bola Tinubu for permission to inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council at Aso Rock ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The YPP candidate said the Villa was a high-security government facility that should not be used for political gatherings or social events.
He also cited Nigeria’s security challenges and concerns over the resurgence of Ebola as reasons to restrict access to the complex.
Agada said presidential candidates should demonstrate their readiness to govern by presenting evidence of their professional experience, existing businesses and places of work rather than seeking access to the seat of presidential power.
The controversy followed a letter dated October 21 in which the AAC asked Tinubu to approve the use of the Presidential Villa for its proposed November 11 campaign council inauguration.
The party also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for participants.
According to the AAC, the request was based on the principles of multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness and equal treatment of political parties.
It argued that approval would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness.
Reacting to the request, Agada said he agreed with Sowore’s criticism of politicians who, in his view, treated the Presidency as a route to employment or political relevance.
“Just vacating the Villa office for politicians is not enough. We must ask: Where were their contact offices before they wanted the Villa job? I support Sowore’s call and I agree with him that the Presidential Villa has become an unemployment place for failed politicians,” he said.
However, Agada stressed that his objection was to using the Villa as a venue for political activities.
“But I’m saying that the Presidential Villa is a highly respected place for the Presidency and should not be used for social gatherings. It is a high-security area that should be cordoned off for government activities, especially in the resurgence of the Ebola virus,” he added.
The YPP candidate argued that presidential hopefuls should demonstrate their capacity to lead through their current professional responsibilities and achievements.
“The true test of a Presidential candidate is not the use of Aso Villa; it is his current office,” Agada said.
He challenged candidates to identify their existing workplaces and residences, insisting that these would offer voters a clearer picture of their professional backgrounds.
“If you cannot show your current office and residence, it means you have no job. You are unemployed. Aso Villa is your only job application each election year,” he said.
Agada cited his engineering business, Cyrus Acoustics Group Limited, as evidence of his experience outside politics.
He said the company had operated for 30 years in road and estate construction and employed 47 people.
He also maintained that his Abuja residence was financed through proceeds from his engineering business rather than political activities.
Agada said his party would launch its presidential campaign from its construction yard instead of a hotel or the Presidential Villa.
“My flag-off for the YPP Presidential Campaign will be done from my construction yard, not from Sheraton or Villa. My press conference will be done from my site office with a helmet on the table,” he said.
He challenged other presidential candidates to adopt a similar approach by showcasing their professional activities and workplaces.
The politician also reiterated his intention to run a lean government if elected, describing the Presidential Villa as a temporary workplace rather than a personal reward for winning an election.
“I have said it time and again, I shall run a lean government. And I will use the Villa as a temporary site office for four years to build Nigeria, then return to my engineering office,” he said.
Agada’s comments add to the political debate surrounding the use of government facilities during election campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: Adeleke Backs Accord Candidates Despite Tinubu Coalition
The AAC has framed its request as an issue of political inclusiveness, while Agada has emphasised security and the distinction between official government premises and campaign venues.
