Sowore Declares Interest in 2027 Presidential Election

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has announced his intention to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, made the declaration on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

According to him, the AAC is expected to hold its primary election next week, although he did not confirm whether he would emerge as the party’s sole candidate.

“I am running to win,” Sowore stated.

He argued that Nigeria needs leaders with fresh ideas, saying the country is currently facing worsening economic and security challenges.

“These are different times. Nigeria is in bigger trouble, and people with better ideas should have the opportunity to lead,” he said.

Sowore also criticised the country’s current political leadership and opposition figures, claiming their policies contributed to Nigeria’s poverty, insecurity, and hardship.

“All the ideas of the people you mentioned brought Nigeria into this cycle of poverty, insecurity, pain, sorrow, and tears,” he added.

The activist said his ambition is to offer Nigerians a genuine alternative to the traditional political establishment, which he believes has failed the country over the years.

Speaking further, Sowore commented on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ongoing digital membership registration exercise. He explained that the AAC had not yet submitted its final membership register because a recent court ruling allowed political parties to reopen their registration portals.

“We haven’t finally submitted. The court judgment says parties can reopen their portals and continue registration, but we never stopped anyway,” he said.

The 2027 election will mark the third time Sowore will contest for Nigeria’s presidency under the AAC platform, following his previous attempts in 2019 and 2023.

Over the years, he has consistently positioned himself as an alternative to Nigeria’s mainstream political parties, while criticising both ruling and opposition leaders over the country’s economic and security situation.