Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has stepped down as the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) after being unanimously adopted as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The development occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, during the AAC’s national presidential primary held in Abuja. Sowore, who had been the face and leader of the party since its formation in 2018, relinquished the chairmanship position in line with the party’s constitution, which does not permit the national chairman to contest for the presidential ticket.

The primary committee, chaired by Kayode Babayemi, formally announced Sowore’s adoption as the party’s sole candidate amid cheers from delegates and supporters. Sowore accepted the nomination and vowed to mount a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu and other contenders in the 2027 race. This will mark his third presidential bid after 2019 and 2023.
Speaking after his emergence, Sowore promised to run a credible campaign aimed at unseating the current administration and bringing genuine change to Nigeria.As of the latest reports, the AAC is yet to publicly announce Sowore’s immediate replacement as National Chairman.
The party is expected to fill the position in the coming days as it reorganises its leadership structure ahead of the general elections.
The event was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While Sowore remains the dominant figure in the AAC, his decision to step aside from the chairmanship is seen as a strategic move to fully focus on his presidential ambition.
This latest development keeps the AAC in the spotlight as smaller opposition parties continue to position themselves for the 2027 polls.