Omoyele Sowore, the human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, has fiercely criticized Nigerian politicians, past and present, calling them “creative liars” who do not deserve any form of respect or honour.
Sowore, who ran for president in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections under the African Action Congress (AAC), declared his firm stance against worshiping or respecting Nigerian leaders. In his view, these leaders have done more harm than good to the country, and they do not deserve to be called “statesmen.”
“I made a solemn commitment to myself a long time ago that I will never worship or respect those that ruined my country,” Sowore stated in an interview on Lagos Talks 91.3 FM. “They don’t deserve honour of any kind.”
This strong condemnation comes after Sowore was asked about the influence of Nigerian elders and former leaders in politics. He firmly rejected the idea of seeking their endorsement for his political agenda, emphasizing that he believes in the endorsement of the people, not the so-called elder statesmen.
“I don’t believe in the endorsement of former presidents or leaders who have been part of the problem,” Sowore continued. “I can’t imagine myself going back to the same characters that ruined this country. If they want to endorse me, are they going to endorse me to continue their style of leadership? No, I will not accept that.”
Sowore’s words have hit a nerve in the Nigerian political landscape, where the influence of former leaders is often seen as crucial to the success of political campaigns. However, Sowore has always maintained that the power of the people, not the endorsement of former leaders, is what truly matters in a democracy.
“Most of them have only one vote,” Sowore explained. “If you go to the people, you bypass a whole lot of these overrated so-called elder statesmen. They don’t have any constituency because their constituency is not poor. They are the ones who created poverty.”
Sowore’s criticism of Nigerian leaders is rooted in his belief that these politicians are not only out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians but are also responsible for the country’s current state of dysfunction.
“Their constituency is not oppressed because they are the oppressors,” Sowore stated. “Their constituency is the constituency of people who are holding this country to ransom. They see Nigeria as a property that they own.”
This sharp rebuke was not limited to just a few figures in Nigerian politics. Sowore’s scorn is particularly focused on former leaders like General Ibrahim Babangida, whom he has long criticized. Sowore, who was part of the pro-democracy movement that pushed for Babangida’s resignation in 1993, firmly rejected any notion of seeking his endorsement.
“I reject that and I have always rejected that. You cannot ask me, for instance, to go back and seek the endorsement of Babangida, who I was one of the people that drove him out of power in 1993,” Sowore said, his voice filled with conviction. “How would I? It doesn’t make sense.”
Sowore made it clear that he would never return to the same system that allowed these politicians to thrive. “I was more powerful than him in 1993,” he said, referring to Babangida. “Why would I go to him and beg for his endorsement 30 years after we chased him out of power? It doesn’t make sense engaging in reverse gear.”
His firm stance against the political establishment is also evident in his rejection of the label “politician.” Sowore stressed that he does not want to be considered a politician because, in his view, most politicians are dishonest, manipulative, and self-serving.
“Politicians are creative liars,” Sowore said bluntly. “If you don’t have good intentions, it doesn’t matter how long you pretend. I don’t want to be a pretender.”
Sowore’s uncompromising position comes at a time when many Nigerians are frustrated with the political class. The country has faced numerous challenges, including economic instability, widespread corruption, and the erosion of public trust in government institutions.
Many Nigerians see Sowore as a refreshing alternative to the traditional politicians who have ruled the country for decades. His calls for a revolution, transparency, and accountability have gained significant support, particularly among younger Nigerians who are disillusioned with the current political system.
Despite his controversial statements and political rhetoric, Sowore remains committed to pushing for a change in Nigeria’s leadership. He continues to advocate for a government that prioritizes the needs of the people over the interests of the elite.
“I don’t have any reason to say I believe in them,” Sowore said, referencing his stance on Nigerian leaders. “I might believe in the person because this is not war. If I go outside and we meet, we shake hands but I have always challenged them in public, whether as a presidential candidate or deputy or vice. If I see you doing what is wrong, I will say it publicly.”
For Sowore, the future of Nigeria lies not in seeking the approval of the old guard but in empowering the people. His message is clear: the people, not the elite, are the true driving force of change in Nigeria.
As Nigeria heads toward another election cycle, Sowore’s views are likely to continue to spark debate. His rejection of the established political order challenges the status quo and invites Nigerians to reconsider what true leadership should look like.
In his words: “We need leaders who will prioritize the people, not their own selfish interests. I won’t be part of a system that fails the majority.”
