CUPP Condemns APC’s Use of Presidential Villa
The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Chief Peter Ameh, has sharply criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for hosting its caucus meeting at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa. Ameh, in a statement released on Thursday morning in Lokoja, described the move as an abuse of power that should be condemned by every Nigerian.
“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 where critical national decisions are made and where the President meets with visiting dignitaries,” Ameh said. “However, recent events have raised concerns about the misuse of the Presidential Villa for partisan purposes. Specifically, 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.”
Ameh argued that the use of the Presidential Villa for party activities is a violation of democratic principles and fairness. “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 political gain, while excluding other registered political parties from accessing the same facilities. This creates an uneven playing field and undermines the democratic process,” he stated.
He warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent. “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 politicization of state institutions could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the country.”
Ameh further emphasized that the use of the Presidential Villa for partisan activities is an insult to Nigerians who are facing numerous challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and corruption. “At a time when the country is grappling with these issues, it is unacceptable that the ruling party is more focused on consolidating its power than addressing the pressing needs of the people,” he said.
The CUPP secretary concluded by urging the ruling party to respect the neutrality of the Presidential Villa and make it available for all registered political parties. “Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Nigerian people,” Ameh added.
