“I am a principled opposition; those other guys will run back to Dubai after the election.” – Sowore 

Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has sparked intense debate following his recent visit to the detained businessman Blord at a correctional facility. Speaking to journalists after the encounter, Sowore took a swipe at other opposition figures, questioning their commitment to the Nigerian struggle. He described his own political stance as a long-term sacrifice for the masses, rather than a strategy used only during the election cycles.

According to a video posted on the Official YouTube channel of SYMFONI, while addressing the media, Sowore declared, “mine is a principled opposition. Their own is an opposition for election convenience. The moment the election is over now, I think he will go back to Dubai, which is where he stays permanently, and you won’t see them again.”

The activist argued that many who claim to be in the opposition are actually looking for an easy way into power without genuine plans for the people. He noted that while he remains on the ground protesting every day, others prefer the comfort of foreign cities once the polls are closed. Sowore emphasized that his brand of politics is wired for constant agitation against injustice, regardless of whether there is an active campaign.

His comments come at a time when many Nigerians are feeling the pinch of economic reforms and are looking for steady leadership from the alternative parties. By calling out those who reside in Dubai, Sowore is tapping into a popular sentiment that many leaders are disconnected from the local reality. He believes that true change can only come from those who stay to face the consequences of the country’s many systemic failures.