They want to convict me to stop my 2027 presidential ambition – Sowore

Sowore, who was recently nominated by his party to represent the AAC in the upcoming 2027 general election, stated, “They want to convict me at all costs, so that I will be disqualified from contesting the 2027 election. That’s what it’s about.” Under Nigerian electoral law, a criminal conviction can serve as grounds for disqualification from running for public office.

The activist also voiced strong dissatisfaction with the court’s conduct, particularly alleging instances of judicial overreach. He remarked that it is impossible to receive a fair trial in an environment where his legal counsel could be ordered to kneel before the judge.

The ongoing trial, initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS), centers on defamation charges related to social media posts published by Sowore in August 2025. The prosecution alleges that the posts, which described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” and made accusations regarding the President’s claims about corruption during an official trip to Brazil, constitute a violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024.  

The DSS argues that these statements were not only defamatory but also posed a threat to public safety and order. Sowore, however, maintains that his actions fall under his constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression and political activism, dismissing the charges as politically motivated attempts to stifle his opposition to the current administration.  

Human rights activist and recent consensus presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has raised concerns regarding the fairness of his ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sowore alleged that the judicial process is being manipulated to secure a conviction, which he claims is a calculated move to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential race.

Sowore, who was recently nominated by his party to represent the AAC in the upcoming 2027 general election, stated, “They want to convict me at all costs, so that I will be disqualified from contesting the 2027 election. That’s what it’s about.” Under Nigerian electoral law, a criminal conviction can serve as grounds for disqualification from running for public office.

The activist also voiced strong dissatisfaction with the court’s conduct, particularly alleging instances of judicial overreach. He remarked that it is impossible to receive a fair trial in an environment where his legal counsel could be ordered to kneel before the judge.

The ongoing trial, initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS), centers on defamation charges related to social media posts published by Sowore in August 2025. The prosecution alleges that the posts, which described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” and made accusations regarding the President’s claims about corruption during an official trip to Brazil, constitute a violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024.  

The DSS argues that these statements were not only defamatory but also posed a threat to public safety and order. Sowore, however, maintains that his actions fall under his constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression and political activism, dismissing the charges as politically motivated attempts to stifle his opposition to the current administration.