Human rights activist, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said successive Nigerian governments from the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the current government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have failed to deliver meaningful progress for the country. In an interview with Starnews NG, Sowore shared his views on governance, activism, corruption and his continued ambition to lead Nigeria.
Reminiscing his journey into activism, Sowore said his political consciousness was shaped early in life by firsthand experiences of injustice, police brutality and abuse of power while growing up in Ondo State. He explained that these experiences influenced his brand of politics, which he described as people-driven and rooted in accountability, rather than elite bargaining or transactional politics. According to him, silence in the face of oppression only empowers injustice.
On the numerous court cases he has faced over the years, Sowore said the financial and emotional burden is intentional, aimed at silencing dissent. He noted that support from ordinary Nigerians, solidarity networks and pro bono legal assistance have helped him persist, adding that the situation reflects how dissent is often criminalised and the justice system weaponised against critics of power in Nigeria
Sowore was unsparing in his assessment of President Tinubu’s administration, saying he finds little to commend in the government’s performance. He argued that governance should be judged by outcomes, not propaganda, pointing to worsening poverty, insecurity and corruption as evidence of failure. He added that his criticisms are consistent and based on facts, regardless of who occupies power.
Describing himself as an outsider to Nigeria’s political elite, Sowore said this status is by choice, insisting that mainstream politics is built on betrayal and corruption. He maintained that real power should come from the people, not godfathers, and said his presidential ambition is driven by a desire to break from what he called “recycled failures.” He outlined his vision as one centred on radical accountability, social investment and dismantling systems of impunity.
Sowore also addressed youth participation, saying young Nigerians are not apathetic but disillusioned. He said his strategy focuses on honest engagement, digital mobilisation and giving young people real decision making power. On corruption, he called for structural reforms such as transparent budgeting, independent prosecution and protection for whistleblowers, stressing that corruption persists because the system protects it. Ultimately, Sowore said his goal is not legacy or titles, but impact standing firm against oppression and inspiring others to demand a better Nigeria.