Sowore Claims Nigeria's Ruling Elite Are Targeting Him

The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that members of Nigeria's ruling class have maintained a long-standing campaign against him because of his activism and opposition to corruption.

Sowore made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television's The Morning Brief on Friday, shortly after regaining his freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The activist was recently granted ₦200 million bail in a defamation case filed against him over remarks in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal."

Speaking during the interview, Sowore argued that the legal action against him is not about defamation or the limits of free speech but rather an attempt by those in authority to punish him for challenging the political establishment.

According to him, his disagreements with those in power date back many years and stem from his consistent opposition to corruption, injustice and abuse of power.

Sowore claimed that the country's security agencies and political leaders have continued to target him because they view his activities as a threat to the existing political order.

He maintained that the reasons officially given for actions taken against him over the years have merely served as excuses to suppress his activism.

The AAC presidential candidate cited previous incidents, including the seizure of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate and his expulsion from the University of Lagos, both of which he linked to his involvement in political activism and student protests.

According to Sowore, his experiences reflect a pattern of retaliation against individuals who challenge the country's political elite and demand greater accountability.

His comments come days after his release on bail, as legal proceedings in the defamation case continue.