Nigerian publisher and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has declared that he cannot align himself with what he described as the conventional opposition bloc in Nigeria, arguing that many opposition figures lack genuine commitment to reforming the system.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Sowore criticised the motives of many politicians across the country, stating that a significant number of them operate in opposition primarily for personal gain rather than for the collective good of Nigerians.
According to him, several individuals currently identified as opposition leaders only found themselves outside government circles due to circumstances beyond their control, such as their inability to secure favour with the current administration. He suggested that their stance is not driven by ideology or a desire for systemic change, but rather by exclusion from power.
Sowore further argued that many of these political actors are not truly opposed to the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigeria. Instead, he maintained that they would likely perpetuate or even worsen the same issues if given the opportunity to lead.
“I’m interested in being opposed to the system, but I’m not interested in joining opposition that is not opposed to the rot and the destruction that have been visited upon this country,” he said.
He stressed that, in his view, opposition should be rooted in integrity, accountability, and a clear commitment to transforming governance. He rejected what he described as “opposition for the sake of opposition,” noting that such an approach does little to address the structural problems affecting the nation.
“I cannot be in opposition with people whose only agenda, whose manifesto, and whose demeanour is to come and loot, destroy, and render this country one of the worst in the world. That is not opposition to me,” Sowore added.
Expanding on his perspective, the activist identified what he considers the “real opposition” in Nigeria—not political elites, but ordinary citizens. He pointed to the masses who continue to bear the brunt of economic hardship, governance failures, and systemic inequality as the true drivers of change.
He specifically mentioned Nigerian youths, unemployed individuals, and workers who lack adequate legal protection despite their contributions to the economy. According to Sowore, these groups represent a more authentic and powerful form of opposition because they are directly affected by the country’s challenges.
“People who have been cheated, the weak, and those who are oppressed—that’s the opposition we need. That’s a solid opposition that we are building and want to strengthen,” he said.
Sowore emphasised the importance of grassroots mobilisation, arguing that meaningful transformation can only come from collective action by citizens rather than reliance on traditional political structures. He maintained that empowering ordinary Nigerians to demand accountability and justice is key to achieving lasting progress.
In his remarks, he also called on Nigerians to remain resolute in their pursuit of a better nation. He encouraged citizens to actively participate in efforts aimed at reshaping the country’s political and social landscape.
“We call on Nigerians not to look back in joining this opposition because that would open up the country to you in a way that would bring about peace, prosperity, and progress,” he stated.
Sowore’s comments reflect his long-standing advocacy for systemic change and his continued push for a people-driven movement focused on addressing governance challenges, promoting social justice, and ensuring that leadership is accountable to the citizens it serves.
