Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has announced his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Sowore made the declaration on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, revealing that preparations for the AAC’s primary election are already in motion.
Asked whether he would contest the presidency again in 2027, Sowore responded, “Yes. We have our party primaries next week.”
However, he stopped short of declaring himself the party’s sole aspirant.
“Let the party decide who their candidates are,” he said.
Addressing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s digital registration requirements for political parties, Sowore disclosed that the AAC had not yet completed its submission process.
“We haven’t finally submitted, and that’s what this court judgment says. So if you have submitted now, the court says you can reopen your portal and start again. But we never stopped anyway,” he explained.
Political establishment has failed Nigerians
During the interview, Sowore defended his political ideology and argued that Nigerians should look beyond the country’s traditional political elite.
When asked why he believes his ideas are superior to those of President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Sowore said Nigeria’s current challenges are the result of years of failed leadership.
“The ideas of the people you mentioned brought Nigeria into this cycle of poverty, insecurity, pain, sorrow, and tears,” he said.
“Do Nigerians want the same set of people elected — or selected — again, only to continue suffering, while those with ideas capable of liberating the country are ignored?”
‘I’m running to win’
Sowore maintained that his ambition is driven by a genuine desire to win the presidency and provide a new direction for the country.
“Yes,” he replied when asked if he was running to win.
“As I’ve said several times, all political parties are essentially the same, and better candidates with clear ideas should be able to win elections in this country.
“These are different times. Hardship is worse, and Nigeria is facing even greater challenges,” he added.
Sowore previously contested the presidency under the AAC platform in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
Over the years, he has consistently positioned himself as an alternative to Nigeria’s mainstream political establishment, frequently criticising both ruling and opposition parties over the nation’s economic and security problems.
Nigeria’s 2027 general election is tentatively scheduled for January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.
