Tinubu afraid of my popularity among grassroots Nigerians– Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the AAC

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is intimidated by his growing popularity among grassroots Nigerians ahead of the next general election.

Sowore made the remark on Thursday while addressing journalists outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he is standing trial over alleged cybercrime charges linked to social media posts about the President.

According to the activist, the legal action against him is politically motivated and aimed at weakening his growing support base.

"But we know the big deal. The big deal is that there is an election coming. Tinubu is mortally, mortally afraid of my popularity with the grassroots," Sowore said.

He maintained that his support was not built on vote-buying or material inducements, but on the confidence Nigerians have in his message of change.

"We are not paying a dime. We are not distributing bread. No soap, no rice, not even bitter kola, Tom Tom, kuli-kuli or akara. People are saying, 'Sowore has come again.' That's what it is all about," he added.

Sowore said his political ambition is driven by a desire to provide leadership capable of reforming every sector of the country, including the judiciary.

"We are here to provide the leadership for this country that can make Nigeria work, including the judiciary," he said.

The activist is currently facing trial over allegations that he circulated false information by referring to President Tinubu as a "criminal" in posts published on his X and Facebook accounts. The Federal High Court recently warned that it could close his defence if he failed to proceed with his case.