Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Nigeria's 2023 elections, has been vocal in his criticism of fellow candidate Peter Obi, labeling him as emblematic of the entrenched political establishment.Sowore contends that Obi, despite his appeal to some voters, represents the same systemic issues that have long plagued Nigerian politics.
In a candid interview on the Honest Bunch Podcast, Sowore dismissed the idea of forming a coalition with Obi, asserting that such an alliance would betray his principles. He stated, "Before you discovered Peter Obi, I was already running for President... He just knows how to package. Anyone can do it." Sowore emphasized his refusal to support any leader he deems non-performing, regardless of their political affiliations or public image.
Sowore has consistently positioned himself as an advocate for systemic change, criticizing the political class for what he perceives as a history of underperformance and corruption. He has accused Obi of being part of this establishment, citing alleged mismanagement during Obi's tenure as Anambra State Governor. Sowore's critiques extend beyond Obi, as he has also been a vocal opponent of other prominent Nigerian politicians, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Regarding the #EndSARS movement, Sowore has expressed skepticism about the government's response, suggesting that the momentum for meaningful reform has been stifled by the existing political framework. He argues that without a fundamental overhaul of the political system, efforts like #EndSARS are unlikely to yield lasting change.
In summary, Sowore's stance is rooted in a call for a radical departure from Nigeria's traditional political practices. He urges citizens to critically assess their leaders' track records and to seek genuine transformation rather than be swayed by repackaged political narratives.