Chief Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in a statement released on Thursday said that the use of the Presidential villa for hosting APC caucus meeting on Tuesday undermines democratic principles and fairness amounting to misuse of power.
Chief Ameh explained that “The Presidential Villa, the official residence and workplace of the President of Nigeria, is a symbol of national unity and the seat of power. It is a place where important national decisions are made and where the President receives visiting dignitaries.”
Therefore, “The hosting of the APC National Caucus meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa should be widely criticized as an abuse of power.”
He said further that, “The Villa belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of their party affiliation. By hosting APC functions at the villa, the ruling party is essentially using state resources for their political gain while excluding other registered political parties from accessing the same facilities. This creates an uneven playing field and undermines the democratic process.
“It suggests that the ruling party is above the law and can use state institutions for their partisan purposes. This erosion of the separation of powers and the politicisation of state institutions can have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the country.
“The use of the Presidential Villa for partisan activities is a slap in the face of Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet. At a time when the country is facing numerous challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and corruption, it is unacceptable that the ruling party is more concerned with consolidating its power than with addressing the pressing needs of the people.
“Hosting of APC functions at the Presidential Villa is a clear abuse of power and a violation of the principles of democracy and fairness. It is essential that the ruling party respects the neutrality of the Presidential Villa and ensures that it is made available to all registered political parties.”
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday 25, May 2025 hosted the national caucus meeting of All Progressive Congress (APC) being the first since he assumed office in May 2023, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ahead of the scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party which followed on Wednesday
In attendance is the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen; APC governors; National Working Committee members, and other party leaders.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in its statement condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for hosting its caucus meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, calling it an abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust placed in the leadership of APC by the Nigerian people.