Sowore Disputes Tinubu’s Activist Credentials, Says He Never Fought for Democracy

Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters founder, Omoyele Sowore, has openly disputed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a prominent activist during Nigeria’s military era.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, Sowore argued that Tinubu’s involvement in partisan politics and eventual exile do not qualify him as a true activist.

“Your president was never an activist,” Sowore said pointedly. “Real activism is about putting yourself at risk, being on the streets, leading protests, and facing jail time. That’s what many of us did.”

He maintained that those who genuinely fought for democracy during the military dictatorship are identifiable by their sacrifices and public resistance. “You know the activists. They have names, they have addresses, and there’s footage to show it,” he said.

Drawing a contrast with Tinubu, Sowore recounted how he personally led protests as a young man and faced the consequences head-on. “Even at 21, you could see me on the frontlines. That’s what activism looks like,” he said. “Not claiming you were targeted and then fleeing the country, only to resurface when the coast is clear.”

Sowore also criticized the post-June 12, 1993, political environment, which he believes created room for opportunists to pose as heroes. “Many who had nothing to do with the struggle suddenly claimed a stake when it was convenient. June 12 became a platform for personal gain,” he stated.

He went further to allege close ties between current political figures and former military leaders. “Some of the APC and ACN folks count the same military rulers we fought against as their closest friends. Tinubu is close to Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar. These are their allies,” he said.

According to Sowore, in 1999, he protested an international award being arranged for Abdulsalami Abubakar in Chicago, reportedly facilitated by Tinubu’s associates—a protest that led to legal action against Abubakar.

He concluded by calling for a clear distinction between genuine freedom fighters and political opportunists. “We need to classify who truly fought for this country and who only claimed the glory,” Sowore said.