The new presidential candidate, Peter Agada receiving the party's flag. Credit: YPP
The Young Progressives Party presidential candidate, Dr. Peter Agada, has warned the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other politicians against using the Presidential Villa as a venue for campaigns and social gatherings, describing the seat of power as a high-security facility reserved for government activities.
Agada, who criticised the growing tendency of politicians to treat the Villa as a destination for political activities, said presidential candidates should demonstrate their capacity to govern by showing evidence of their existing businesses, workplaces, and residences rather than seeking access to Aso Rock.
He disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja on Friday.
The former Labour Party chieftain also cited the resurgence of Ebola and the country’s security challenges as reasons the Presidential Villa should not be used for social events.
His comments followed a request by the African Action Congress, led by its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, asking President Bola Tinubu for permission to inaugurate its presidential campaign council at the Villa ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated October 21, the AAC asked the President to approve the use of the facility for the proposed November 11 event and provide food, drinks, and other logistical support for participants.
The party said its request was guided by the principles of multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness, and equal treatment of political parties, arguing that approval would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness.
Reacting to the development, Agada said the Villa should not become a destination for politicians seeking political relevance or employment through elective office.
“Just vacating the Villa office for politicians is not enough,” Agada said. “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.”
“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 given the resurgence of the Ebola virus.”
“The true test of a presidential candidate is not the use of Aso Villa; it is his current office. Any man who wants to rule 200 million Nigerians must show us, first of all, your current office where you work. We are talking about your real office that pays a salary, not a rented campaign office or hotel, and your residence.”
“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.”
The YPP candidate said he was able to demonstrate his capacity through his engineering business, which he described as having a track record of delivering projects and providing employment.
Agada argued that his engineering company, Cyrus Acoustics Group Limited, had 30 years of experience in road and estate construction and employed 47 staff.
He reiterated that his Abuja residence was also built through proceeds from his engineering business, not politics.
The politician added that his party would begin its presidential campaign from its construction yard rather than a hotel or the Presidential Villa, challenging other candidates to adopt a similar approach.
“My flag-off for the YPP presidential campaign will be done from my construction yard, not from Sheraton or Villa,” he said. “My press conference will be done from my site office with a helmet on the table.”
“I challenge other candidates to do the same. Show us your office. Show us where you work today.”
According to him, the Presidency should be treated as an institution of governance rather than a venue for political entertainment, adding that he intended to run a lean government if elected.
“I have said it time and again, I shall run a lean government,” Agada said. “And I will use the Villa as a temporary site office for four years to build Nigeria, then return to my engineering office. Aso Villa is not a reward for unemployment. Any candidate who has no office today has no business looking for Villa tomorrow.”