Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, has said his decades-long campaign against injustice is driven by conviction rather than the pursuit of political office or personal recognition.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS, Sowore said he remains committed to challenging what he described as systemic injustice in Nigeria, despite repeated arrests, prosecutions and personal sacrifices.
“I am not dying for Nigerians; I am dying for what I believe is right by my conscience,” he said, adding that his activism would remain the same regardless of where he lived.
Reflecting on the legal battles he has faced over the years, Sowore alleged that authorities have consistently used the judicial process to punish him rather than allow a fair trial.
He argued that freedom of expression should be protected by law and not determined by those in positions of power, insisting that citizens must be free to criticise public officials without fear of intimidation or imprisonment.
Sowore also criticised the use of the Cybercrime Act against critics, maintaining that the legislation should not be weaponised to suppress dissent or unpopular opinions.
“The cybercrime law, as amended by the Tinubu regime, also made it very clear that an individual cannot use the law to oppress another person simply because the person said something you don’t like. That is what the amendment says. That only in circumstances where your statement has led to the breakdown of law and order, is capable of breaking down law and order, would you then be brought in to explain yourself. But don’t forget that there has to be a trial, you know, and unfettered, fair access to all the evidence you need, and if you are able to present your case and you are seen not to have committed any crime, nobody has the right to take you to jail, keep you in jail, or keep taking you back to jail through technicalities.
Other News
“But what has happened in my case since 2019, as you know, is that whenever they charge me with these offenses and I get arrested, they are not interested in a trial. They are interested in convicting, punishing me without conviction,” he alleged.
The activist said the personal cost of his campaign had been enormous, claiming his prolonged legal troubles had taken a heavy toll on his family, including the loss of his brother and his mother’s declining health.
Despite those challenges, he said he could not claim success while millions of Nigerians continue to face poverty, insecurity and poor governance.
“I have been effective at what I do, but I cannot sit here and declare victory when our people are still being subjugated and the country has not become what it ought to be,” he said.
Sowore further argued that Nigeria has yet to experience genuine democracy, describing the country’s political system as one that continues to fail ordinary citizens.
He also ruled out joining political alliances with established politicians, saying he would not compromise his principles by aligning with individuals he believes contributed to Nigeria’s challenges.
According to him, meaningful national transformation will only come when Nigerians are free to demand accountability and participate in credible, transparent elections without fear of repression.
