Sowore blasts opposition coalition, says many members lack conscience and integrity

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has once again lashed out at the newly formed opposition coalition, describing it as a gathering of individuals he finds morally and politically unacceptable.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Sowore condemned the coalition’s recent adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling into question the credibility of its leading figures.

“There are just too many people in the coalition you’re mentioning that I can’t sit across the table from without being tempted to act out of my character,” Sowore said bluntly.

The Sahara Reporters publisher and long-time rights activist alleged that many within the coalition had long histories of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and selfish governance. He insisted his criticism was not rooted in personal animosity or speculation, but in documented actions and track records.

“These are typically people whose way of life is being evil, doing bad, being corrupt, short-changing the public, and being selfish,” he said.
“There’s no amount of conditions you can give to them that will wash their ways or change how they behave.”

“They’ve betrayed Nigerians”

Sowore further accused coalition members of previously betraying the Nigerian people, arguing that many were simply repositioning themselves for another opportunity to exploit the system, rather than to bring about meaningful change.

“While there are people genuinely trying to save this country, others in both the ruling party and the opposition are just preparing to continue exploiting Nigerians,” he warned.

Coalition lineup draws criticism

The opposition coalition—seen as a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—includes several high-profile political figures such as:

• Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate

• Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate

• Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State

• Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State

• David Mark, former Senate President

Since adopting the ADC as their official political vehicle, the coalition has faced skepticism from critics like Sowore, who argue that the alliance represents a recycled political class, not a real alternative.

Sowore, a vocal opponent of Nigeria’s mainstream political establishment, ran in the 2023 elections under the AAC banner and has consistently advocated for a grassroots revolution and systemic overhaul rather than coalitions of established elites.

As the race toward 2027 slowly takes shape, his comments signal growing tensions between outsider political movements and traditional opposition blocs vying for credibility and public support.