Sowore Alleges Tinubu's Plan to Manipulate 2027 Elections

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of preparing to manipulate the 2027 general elections. In a post on his X account, Sowore alleged that the judiciary has been hijacked, mainstream media captured, and political opponents subjected to increasing violence. He warned that the situation poses a threat to Nigeria's democracy and urged Nigerians to begin preparing for a revolution to reclaim their rights and the country.

Sowore's allegations come amid growing political tensions following a Federal High Court judgement that invalidated the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The judgement, delivered on November 5 by Justice Peter Lifu, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the Mark-led leadership and its subsequent decisions. The development has generated reactions from opposition figures, who accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC has rejected the judgement and filed an appeal, alongside an application seeking a stay of execution pending the determination of the legal challenge. The party has also urged INEC not to take further action based on the judgement while the appeal remains pending. Sowore had previously accused Tinubu of using court cases and violence to frustrate opposition politicians seeking to challenge him in the next presidential election.

Sowore specifically alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was influencing judicial developments involving opposition parties. He also accused the government of deploying violence against political opponents who could not be stopped through legal means. His latest comments come days after he alleged that suspected political thugs linked to the Ekiti State Government House attacked him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

In the alleged attack on October 30, Sowore accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of providing tracking and operational support to the attackers. The Ekiti State Police Command said Sowore and other persons affected by the incident were treated and discharged from hospital. The police also announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the alleged attack, while investigations continued.

The Ekiti State Government denied involvement in the incident and called for an investigation. Sowore's comments have sparked reactions from various quarters, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the state of the country's democracy. The development has also raised questions about the credibility of the 2027 general elections and the role of the government in ensuring a free and fair process.

Key stakeholders have called for calm and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in the face of the unfolding developments. The situation remains a source of concern for many, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Key points

• President Tinubu is accused of preparing to manipulate the 2027 general elections.
• The judiciary has been hijacked, mainstream media captured, and political opponents subjected to increasing violence.
• Sowore urges Nigerians to begin preparing for a revolution to reclaim their rights and the country.