The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of abusing his office by hosting political meetings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa.
CUPP argued that the Presidential Villa is meant to serve as a national symbol of unity and the seat of government, rather than a venue for partisan political activities. The coalition expressed concerns over what it described as a dangerous trend of using state resources for the benefit of a single political party.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP condemned the recent APC National Caucus meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. The group labeled it a clear misuse of public resources and a violation of democratic principles.
“The use of the Presidential Villa for partisan activities is a clear violation of the principles of democracy and fairness,” Ameh stated. He added that such actions compromise the neutrality of state institutions and set a worrisome precedent for the country’s democratic process.
CUPP insisted that the Villa belongs to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations. By allowing only APC functions to be held there, the ruling party is allegedly exploiting state infrastructure for its own political advantage while sidelining opposition parties.
“This creates an uneven playing field and undermines the democratic process. Over and above that, the hosting of APC functions at the Presidential Villa sets a dangerous precedent,” the statement read.
The coalition warned that such actions send a troubling message that the ruling party considers itself above the law. It argued that politicizing state institutions could lead to long-term consequences that would threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“The erosion of the separation of powers and the politicization of state institutions can have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the country,” CUPP stated. It further warned that turning the Presidential Villa into a political party venue undermines governance and fairness.
CUPP also criticized the timing of the APC meetings, noting that Nigerians are currently struggling with economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption. According to the coalition, the ruling party should be focused on addressing these pressing issues instead of using public institutions for political consolidation.
“The use of the Presidential Villa for partisan activities is a slap in the face of Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet,” the statement continued. CUPP urged the government to prioritize national interests over party interests.
The coalition emphasized that the misuse of state resources for political gain could lead to a loss of public trust in government institutions. It warned that failing to maintain neutrality in governance could weaken democracy and create further divisions among Nigerians.
CUPP concluded by calling on President Tinubu and the APC leadership to respect democratic norms by ensuring that the Presidential Villa remains accessible to all registered political parties. “Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Nigerian people,” the group declared.
