The African Action Congress (AAC) has called on workers, students, youths, women, professionals, faith communities, civil society organisations and other defenders of democracy to remain vigilant and actively protect Nigeria's democratic space, insisting that safeguarding democratic rights requires the collective participation of citizens.
AAC Calls for Collective Action
The AAC urged Nigerians to reject fear, defend their freedoms and join what it described as a growing movement for political, social and economic liberation, maintaining that no arrest order can extinguish the aspirations of a people determined to be free. The party said the preservation of democratic freedoms cannot be left to political parties alone, stressing that history has shown that democratic gains are sustained through peaceful collective action.
Emergency Meeting Communiqué
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), its candidates at all levels and the leadership of the Take It Back Movement (TIB), adopted unanimously on June 18, 2026. According to the communiqué signed by Acting National Chair, Samuel Ajeigbe, and National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Sanyaolu Juwon, the meeting deliberated on the arrest order issued against Omoyele Sowore and its implications for democracy, civil liberties and the 2027 general elections.
The party expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of state actions targeting opposition figures, activists, journalists, labour leaders and citizens exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and political participation. In the communiqué copied to AAC NEC, all candidates of the AAC, TIB National, and Global Directorates, it argued that the arrest order against Sowore should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader political climate in which dissent is increasingly treated as a security threat while opposition politics faces administrative, legal and institutional pressure.
Broader Implications for Democracy
According to the communiqué, democracy cannot flourish where citizens are intimidated for expressing their views, opposition voices are subjected to systematic harassment or state institutions are perceived as serving partisan political interests. The party maintained that the issue extends beyond any individual or political organisation, saying the future of Nigeria's democracy is at stake. It stated that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, has a responsibility to ensure constitutional rights are protected, political space remains open and citizens can organise freely without fear of persecution.
The AAC also maintained that the right to criticise government, challenge those in power and present alternative political visions is fundamental to democracy, warning that any attempt to weaken such rights threatens the freedoms of all Nigerians. The meeting further observed that the conditions which fuelled demands for political change, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, inequality and declining public confidence in governance, remain unresolved.
Resolutions and Next Steps
Among its resolutions, the party declared its full solidarity with Sowore and pledged to defend his constitutional rights through lawful and democratic means. It also condemned what it described as attempts to use state institutions to suppress political opposition, shrink civic space and undermine democratic participation. The NEC further resolved to intensify nationwide political mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, directing all AAC structures across the country to begin preparations for mass protests, political rallies, meetings and other mobilisation activities, while increasing the production and circulation of campaign materials.
The communiqué also resolved to strengthen collaboration with labour unions, student organisations, professional associations, community groups, civil society organisations and other democratic forces committed to defending constitutional liberties. In addition, the party reaffirmed Sowore as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, declaring that no act of intimidation, harassment or political persecution would deter the party from participating fully in the electoral process.
Reaffirming its commitment to what it described as system change and the liberation of Nigerians from poverty, the AAC said it remains convinced that Nigeria's future belongs to democracy, freedom and the aspirations of the people rather than repression or the interests of a privileged few.
