As Nigeria prepares to celebrate Democracy Day, activist Omoyele Sowore has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu. He believes that Nigerians made a huge mistake by voting him into office.
In an interview with Vanguard, Sowore said that things have gotten worse under Tinubu’s leadership. According to him, Nigeria’s problems have deepened even more than they were during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency.
Sowore made it clear that he has always opposed Tinubu’s candidacy. He said he warned Nigerians before the last elections that Tinubu would not be a good leader. Sadly, he believes his warnings are now becoming true.
He stated that when Tinubu is done, people might actually look back and wish for Buhari’s time. Sowore accused Tinubu of damaging the economy, politics, and important national institutions.
Sowore strongly criticized Tinubu, saying that while Buhari caused damage in eight years, Tinubu is burying the country in just two. He believes institutions, education, and democracy have all suffered under the current government.
He blamed Tinubu’s policies for increasing poverty and destroying democratic values. Sowore said many Nigerians have lost hope in the government and no longer believe in elections.
Sowore expressed concern that people now doubt whether democracy works. He said some citizens even admire military rule—not because they want it, but out of frustration. Still, Sowore made it clear that he does not support military governments.
As someone who has run for president and led protests, Sowore said Nigeria’s current democracy is weak and almost meaningless. He believes it’s no longer giving people a real voice.
He rejected a proposed law to make voting compulsory. Sowore called it an attempt to force people to accept a system they no longer trust.
Sowore argued that forcing people to vote means democracy is already dead. People should have the right to choose whether to vote or not.
He said the law is not about improving voter turnout but about faking support for a broken system. Sowore promised to resist the bill at every step.
When asked if he will run in the 2027 election, Sowore said he doesn’t trust the current voting system. He will, however, keep fighting for change through activism, protests, and public advocacy.
Sowore also made it clear he won’t team up with opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi. He believes Nigeria doesn’t need a change in leadership—it needs a full change of the system.
He said most of Nigeria’s opposition parties are made up of former APC or PDP members who share the same views. According to Sowore, real opposition must be based on strong beliefs and values.
Finally, Sowore said many politicians switch parties not to serve the people, but to chase money and power. He believes they are only fighting over who gets what, not how to make Nigeria better.
