In a fiery interview, Omoyele Sowore, prominent activist and former presidential candidate, denounced President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming it has irreparably damaged Nigeria’s institutions and democracy.
He argued that Tinubu’s government is worse than Buhari’s, asserting that the country is now witnessing the death of democratic ideals such as credible elections and free speech. As Democracy Day approaches, Sowore insisted there is nothing to celebrate, describing the current system as a “shambolic democracy.”
Reacting to the proposed legislation for compulsory voting, Sowore criticized it as a tactic to manufacture legitimacy for a failed electoral process. He emphasized that participation in democracy must be voluntary and meaningful, not enforced through coercion. According to him, Nigerians have lost faith in elections due to repeated failures and corruption, and this law is a response to increasing voter apathy, not a genuine attempt to revive civic engagement.
Sowore dismissed accusations of being too radical, claiming he’s not radical enough in a country desperate for transformation. He defended the ongoing “Revolution Now” movement, comparing it to historic revolutions that took years to succeed. He stressed that despite being less visible, the movement’s message is gaining traction, especially among everyday Nigerians who suffer most under the current regime.
He further critiqued the state of opposition politics in Nigeria, labeling most opposition figures as political opportunists lacking ideology. Sowore rejected alliances with parties like the Labour Party or figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, insisting his only true alliance is with the oppressed and disenfranchised majority. He declared the 2027 elections already compromised, asserting that meaningful change can only come through rebellion against the corrupt system—not through another rigged ballot.
