The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that influential figures within Nigeria’s political establishment have maintained a long-standing hostility toward him because of his activism and opposition to corruption.
Sowore made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, days after regaining his freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre following the restoration of his bail by the Federal High Court.
The activist was recently granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million in an ongoing case linked to allegations arising from comments in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Speaking during the interview, Sowore insisted that his prosecution was politically motivated rather than a genuine legal dispute over free speech.
According to him, he is being targeted because of his long-standing advocacy for accountability, justice and the rights of Nigerians.
“I’m not being tried for any definition or any bloodlines between free speech and criminal definition. I am being punished by people in power for standing up for my right and that of other people. It didn’t start today.
“They have a historical anger against me. It’s an issue between me and the ruling class in Nigeria that have been destroying the country. They said I have stood in their way of corruption and impunity.”
Sowore further alleged that security agencies and political office holders have consistently been used against him over the years.
“Our security agencies and their leaders, as well as those in power, are the people fighting me. Forget about what they said is the reason they arrested me.”
Reflecting on previous encounters with authorities, the AAC presidential candidate cited earlier incidents involving his academic and civic engagements.
He questioned the reasons given for the seizure of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate and his expulsion from the University of Lagos, maintaining that both actions were consequences of his political activism.
“What was the reason they gave for seizing my NYSC certificate? That I discussed politics in 1996 when the military was in power. What was the reason I was expelled from the University of Lagos? It’s because I participated in protest.”
Sowore’s remarks come as legal proceedings against him continue before the Federal High Court, where he is facing charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The case has continued to attract public attention, with supporters and civil society groups raising concerns over issues relating to free expression, civic activism and the administration of justice.
