AAC picks Sowore as consensus presidential candidate for 2027

The African Action Congress has adopted human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The decision was announced during the party’s presidential primary, where members unanimously endorsed Sowore to fly the party’s flag in the next presidential contest.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Kayode Babayemi, said the adoption of Sowore reflected the confidence the party has in his commitment to democracy, justice and good governance.

“I declare Omoyele Sowore as the consensus presidential candidate of the African Action Congress,” Babayemi said.

“This decision reflects the confidence of the party in his consistency in leadership and long-term commitment to the struggle for justice, freedom and a truly democratic Nigeria.”

He also commended party members and supporters for their dedication to the ideals of the AAC.

“I sincerely appreciate every party member, stakeholder and supporter who came out today in solidarity with the vision and values of our great party,” he added.

Accepting the nomination, Sowore described the AAC as the only genuine opposition party in Nigeria, insisting that the party remains committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

According to him, the party has survived political pressure and remained independent of godfatherism and corrupt influences.

“While some claimed there was no alternative to dictatorship, we declared RevolutionNow in 2019,” he said.

Sowore also dismissed calls for a coalition with established political parties, maintaining that the AAC itself represents a coalition for revolutionary change.

“We are here not only to secure victory, but to bring revolutionary change,” he stated.

“One of the biggest questions asked of us is whether we are forming a coalition. We told them: we are the coalition. You are the coalition, and we are the coalition.”

The AAC presidential candidate said the party was distinct from other political platforms because it was built on hard work and the collective efforts of ordinary Nigerians.

“We don’t have a structure of criminality. We don’t have a structure of incompetence. We don’t have a structure of kidnapping or insecurity,” he said.

“We are made up of hardworking young people, older people and Nigerians across the world. This is a party that started a beautiful revolution.”

Sowore also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress, blaming it for many of the country’s current challenges.

He further urged international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, to stop granting loans to Nigerian politicians, warning that his administration would not repay such loans if elected into office in 2027.