NEWS
2027: Sowore Unveils Sweeping Agenda, Says AAC Will Transform Nigeria
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has unveiled his party’s agenda for the 2027 general election, promising major changes in wages, electricity, education, housing, healthcare, agriculture, security and the fight against corruption.
Sowore disclosed this in an interview with Independent Newspaper on Sunday, following his emergence as the AAC presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
He said his nomination was not merely about acquiring another political title but accepting what he described as a responsibility to participate in the struggle to transform Nigeria.
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“For me, becoming the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress is not about acquiring another title. It is about accepting another assignment in the historic struggle to liberate Nigeria,” Sowore said.
He recalled his involvement in campaigns against military dictatorship, corruption and oppression, saying the AAC was created to provide what he described as a revolutionary political alternative.
“The AAC was created because we understood that the old political establishment cannot rescue Nigeria from a crisis it created,” he said.
According to him, the party is placing ordinary Nigerians, including workers, farmers, students, women, young people and the disadvantaged, at the centre of political power.
₦500,000 Monthly Living Wage
Sowore proposed a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage for Nigerian workers, arguing that existing wages are insufficient to meet the needs of ordinary citizens.
“We intend to change that fundamentally. We are proposing a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage because Nigerian workers cannot continue receiving starvation wages while senators, governors and political appointees consume millions every month,” he said.
24-Hour Electricity
The AAC candidate promised to deliver 24-hour electricity, linking reliable power supply to industrial development and economic growth.
“We will deliver 24-hour electricity because no serious industrial economy can operate permanently on generators,” he said.
Free Education
Sowore promised free and accessible education at all levels, saying no Nigerian child should be denied education because of poverty.
He said universal education would form part of his administration’s broader social and economic programme.
One Million Homes And Rent Reform
He also pledged to construct one million public mixed-income homes.
Sowore promised to reform tenancy laws so that working people would not be forced to pay one or two years’ rent in advance.
Healthcare As A Right
On healthcare, he said access to medical care should not depend on a person’s financial status.
“Healthcare must become a right, not a privilege reserved for people who can afford medical tourism,” he said.
Industrialisation, Agriculture And Jobs
Sowore promised to industrialise Nigeria, massively expand agricultural production and processing, rebuild infrastructure and create dignified employment.
He said his administration would focus on expanding production rather than policies that place the burden of economic hardship on ordinary Nigerians.
Security And Police Reform
The AAC candidate also promised to reform policing and security institutions, improve the welfare of security personnel and deploy modern technology to tackle insecurity.
He specifically mentioned drones and advanced intelligence systems as part of the proposed security strategy.
Sowore said security personnel were themselves affected by the shortcomings of the system, arguing that many were poorly paid, poorly equipped and sometimes sent into dangerous situations without adequate support.
He also demanded professionalism from security agencies during the 2027 campaigns.
“Police officers, soldiers and intelligence personnel are employees of the Nigerian people. They are not private security guards belonging to a president, governor, minister or ruling political party,” he said.
Anti-Corruption Drive
Sowore pledged an uncompromising fight against corruption and promised to recover public resources allegedly stolen by political office holders.
“We will wage an uncompromising war against corruption and recover public resources stolen by political officeholders. Nigeria’s wealth must work for Nigerians,” he said.
Criticism Of Tinubu’s Economic Policies
The AAC candidate also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, rejecting the description of policies that impoverish Nigerians as reforms.
“If your economic policy increases hunger, destroys purchasing power, closes businesses and pushes millions deeper into poverty, you cannot simply call it reform and expect people to applaud,” Sowore said.
He said an AAC government would reverse what he described as the philosophy behind such policies.
Instead of punishing ordinary Nigerians, he said his administration would expand production, invest in productive infrastructure, raise wages, stabilise electricity, reduce transportation and energy costs, support domestic manufacturing and agriculture, and use government procurement to strengthen Nigerian producers.
“Economic policy must answer one basic question. Does it improve the material condition of the Nigerian people? If it does not, it has failed,” he said.
Sowore Defends Leftist Government
Sowore also argued that Nigerians were ready for a Leftist government, saying citizens already understood the effects of inequality and exploitation through their daily experiences.
“Our socialism is practical. It means the wealth produced by society must improve the lives of the people who produce it,” he said.
He said his interpretation of socialism included universal education, healthcare, decent housing, electricity, living wages and social protection.
“It means workers deserve dignity. It means Nigeria’s natural resources belong to Nigerians rather than a handful of politically connected billionaires,” he added.
People-Funded 2027 Campaign
Sowore said AAC would rely on ordinary Nigerians rather than wealthy political patrons to fund its 2027 campaign.
He proposed a people-funded campaign where supporters could contribute ₦1,000, ₦5,000 or ₦10,000, alongside their time, skills and organising capacity.
“Our opponents may have billions of naira. They may have governors, private jets and access to state resources, but there is something money cannot manufacture, and that is conviction,” he said.
“You cannot buy a genuine movement. Our greatest war chest will be millions of Nigerians determined to end the political order that has impoverished them.”
Sowore Says AAC Can Win 2027
Sowore, who is seeking the presidency for the third time, said AAC’s chances in 2027 had never been better.
He dismissed political realignments among established parties, arguing that politicians frequently move between platforms without changing their political ideas or methods.
“In 2019, people said we could not run. We ran. In 2023, they said we would disappear. We remained,” he said.
“Our greatest strength in 2027 will be Nigerians themselves.”
He added: “Millions of people are discovering that changing the driver while keeping the same broken vehicle will never take Nigeria anywhere.”
“This election will be the establishment against the people, and we are firmly on the side of the people,” he said.
Grassroots Mobilisation
On how AAC plans to build a nationwide campaign, Sowore said the party would organise from the grassroots.
“Every ward matters. Every polling unit matters. Every village, campus, market, workplace and community matters,” he said.
He said AAC organisers must live among the people, understand their struggles and organise around those issues rather than wait in party offices for instructions.
According to him, technology would be used for volunteer coordination, fundraising, voter education, election monitoring and mobilisation, but it would not replace human organisation.
“Our objective is simple. One organiser becomes 10; 10 become 100; 100 become thousands, and thousands become millions,” Sowore said.
“That is how movements are built, and that is how we intend to win.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.
The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.
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Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.
During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.
The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.
He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.
Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.
According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
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The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.
Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.
He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.
The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.
He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.
According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.
Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.
He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.
Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy
Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.
The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.
Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.
Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has explained why Ebola outbreaks continue to occur in Africa, citing the need for stronger health systems and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
Kaseya spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 22, while discussing recurring Ebola outbreaks on the continent and the challenges facing public health authorities.
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He explained that some outbreaks originate from animals and spread to humans through contact with the environment, stressing that effective surveillance and stronger healthcare systems were necessary to address the threat.
“We are in Africa in a specific environment. And as you are saying, this outbreak is coming also from animals to humans. It means we are in contact with our environment,” he said.
“But we can avoid that if we have a strong health system in place, if we have strong surveillance mechanisms in place. And this is what we are working to address.”
The Africa CDC chief also announced plans to convene African health ministers on October 28 to discuss the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which he described as the most geographically widespread outbreak of its kind.
According to Kaseya, three African regions—West, Central and East Africa—have been affected, making coordinated action among countries increasingly important.
“This is why I’m calling even a meeting on the 28th of October of all African ministers, because we see now this outbreak — this Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak — is the most geographically extended outbreak, with three regions in Africa already affected: West, Central and Eastern African regions,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in Africa’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, while emphasising the importance of strengthening existing systems to contain outbreaks.
Africa CDC Seeks Cooperation Over Nigeria’s Reported Ebola Case
Kaseya further called for cooperation among Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to clarify the travel history of a woman linked to Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.
He said he had been communicating with health authorities in the three countries to establish the woman’s movements before she returned to Abuja on October 3.
According to him, the woman was born in Uganda and had spent some time there before returning to Nigeria. However, further information was needed to establish whether she had travelled through the DRC or had contact with anyone arriving from the country.
“We are talking to all authorities—with Nigerian authorities, with Ugandan authorities, even to DRC authorities,” Kaseya said.
He urged the woman to provide the relevant information to health officials, noting that it would help authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the case and support the countries involved.
“What we want is collaboration from this person, the lady. She has to tell us, to disclose to the authorities. I need this information, as Nigeria needs this information, because we need also to support Uganda,” he said.
Kaseya added that establishing the woman’s travel history and possible contacts would help prevent misunderstandings between the African countries.
“I think these are the pieces of information we are looking for, and it will help all of us, and it will avoid crisis between African countries,” he added.
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