Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has dismissed the political coalition, arguing that it does not exist.
Speaking during an interview on ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television on Monday, Sowore faulted the politicians in the coalition.
Sowore described the ‘coalition’ as interest groups who want to grab power, adding that the politicians who make up the coalition were the same people who brought Nigeria to where it is today.
“You always throw these questions at me. Why are you not in ADC? Why are you not in the opposition coalition? And I told you that these are just interest groups and persons who are interested in power.
“The real coalition that needs to happen, even the 2015 coalition we are talking about, wasn’t just the measure of those political parties that made it happen.
“It was just that the Nigerian people were tired of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at that time and decided that they would chase them out of power,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sowore, has thrown his weight behind the decision of fellow activist, Aisha Yesufu, to contest the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.
Sowore said he was pleased that Yesufu had decided to seek elective office, noting that people who believe they can contribute meaningfully to governance should not stay away from politics.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that the Rights Activist spoke on Monday, May 11, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
Although Sowore expressed support for Yesufu’s ambition, he faulted her decision to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress(NDC).
Yesufu had reportedly left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), followed by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the NDC and declared her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat.
Sowore said he wished she had joined his own party instead.
He said, “I truly support her. I’ve always told her that good people who believe that they can do things should get into politics. She used to say that she has no business running for office. She used to condemn those of us who are activists who run for office.”
‘Politics Biggest Form Of Activism’
The activist said Yesufu’s decision showed a change in her earlier position on activists seeking public office.
According to him, he also once believed that politics was not his business before realising that political participation was central to social change.
He said, “She doesn’t want to support anybody, but I’m glad finally that she has come to that position and the realisation.
“I used to feel that way too before 2016 or so that I don’t have business in politics, but the business of politics is actually the biggest activism that has to be done to save society.”
Sowore said activism and politics should not be treated as separate spaces, arguing that those who want a better society must be willing to take part in the political process.
Despite disagreeing with Yesufu’s party choice, Sowore said he hoped she would win the senatorial race.
He added, “So I totally support her, and I hope she wins, even though I think that she’s in the wrong party. She should have joined our party.”
