The African Action Congress (AAC) has announced the resignation of its National Chairman, Omoyele Sowore, in what observers have described as a significant leadership transition for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement came on Tuesday shortly after Sowore emerged as the AAC presidential candidate for the 2027 election during the party’s primaries held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Delegates and party leaders at the primary unanimously endorsed the former presidential candidate, reaffirming his position as the face of the party’s campaign heading into another election cycle.
In a statement released by the party, the AAC confirmed that Sowore had formally stepped down from his role as National Chairman and that a new leadership structure had immediately taken effect.
According to the statement, Samuel Ajeigbe has now assumed office as the new National Chairman of the party.
“Omoyele Sowore has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress. The party hereby welcomes Samuel Ajeigbe as the new National Chairman of our great party,” the statement read.
The development marks a major turning point for the AAC, a political party that has largely revolved around Sowore’s activism, outspoken criticism of governance failures, and advocacy for social justice since its formation.
His resignation from the chairmanship is being viewed as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal structure and separate administrative leadership from its presidential campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 polls.
Sowore, a human rights activist and publisher known for his strong opposition to corruption and bad governance, has remained one of Nigeria’s most vocal political figures over the years. He previously contested the presidency in 2019 and 2023 under the AAC platform, using his campaigns to champion youth participation, transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms.
At the presidential primary in Abuja, party members reportedly praised Sowore for what they described as his consistency, courage, and ideological commitment to the party’s founding principles. The unanimous endorsement reflected the confidence many within the party continue to place in his leadership and national appeal.
Party insiders said the decision for Sowore to relinquish his position as chairman was aimed at ensuring greater concentration on the forthcoming presidential campaign while also giving room for broader participation in the party’s leadership structure.
The emergence of Samuel Ajeigbe as National Chairman is expected to usher in a new administrative phase for the AAC as it seeks to reposition itself within Nigeria’s political landscape. Although relatively less prominent nationally compared to Sowore, party faithful expressed optimism that the new chairman would consolidate internal party structures and coordinate grassroots mobilisation across the country.
Political analysts believe the AAC may intensify efforts to attract young voters, civil society groups, and reform-minded Nigerians as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum. The party has consistently projected itself as an alternative to Nigeria’s traditional political establishment, often focusing on issues such as unemployment, insecurity, economic inequality, and governance reforms.
The transition also comes at a time when political parties across the country are beginning early strategic alignments ahead of the next general elections. With major parties already making moves to consolidate alliances and strengthen internal structures, the AAC appears determined to remain visible in the national political conversation.
Supporters at the Abuja primary described Sowore’s emergence as the party’s candidate as a continuation of its ideological direction. Several delegates insisted that his activism and political experience made him the best choice to represent the AAC in the race for the presidency.
As the political atmosphere gradually builds toward 2027, attention is expected to focus on how smaller parties like the AAC plan to challenge the dominance of Nigeria’s larger political parties and expand their support base nationwide.
For now, Sowore’s resignation as National Chairman and the appointment of Samuel Ajeigbe signal a strategic reorganisation within the AAC as the party prepares for what could become another fiercely contested presidential election season in Nigeria.
