Sowore challenges godfather politics ahead of 2027, urging politicians to build their own movements instead of relying on wealthy patrons and established parties
Omoyele Sowore, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has criticised Nigerian politicians who rely on political godfathers, wealthy backers and established parties to pursue their electoral ambitions.
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Sowore made the remarks in a social media post while defending the AAC, arguing that the party was built through the commitment, sacrifice and financial contributions of ordinary Nigerians rather than powerful political patrons.
The activist and politician questioned why politicians who believe they command significant public support repeatedly move between political parties during election periods instead of establishing and building their own political movements.
Sowore also criticised politicians who attempt to persuade supporters of existing political platforms to abandon those structures and join parties they did not help create.
His comments were framed as a broader challenge to what he described as a culture of political dependency, particularly the reliance on influential individuals and wealthy sponsors to build electoral machines.
“If their ideas are so compelling, let them organize. If their platforms are so popular, let them mobilize. If their politics is so powerful, let them build,” Sowore said.
He argued that genuine political strength should be demonstrated through grassroots organisation and the ability to mobilise voters without depending on billionaire patrons or political structures established by others.
The AAC candidate said his party represented a different model, claiming that its growth had been driven by the contributions and sacrifices of its members and supporters.
“We built ours with our sweat and blood. Let them build theirs,” he added.
Sowore’s intervention comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and emerging political movements positioning themselves for a potentially competitive presidential contest.
His remarks also touch on a longstanding feature of Nigerian politics, where influential political figures can play a significant role in determining party structures, candidate emergence and electoral mobilisation.
For Sowore, however, political credibility should be built through organisation, ideas and sustained engagement with voters rather than through access to powerful sponsors.
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His message is ultimately a call for political ownership, challenging aspiring candidates to create movements capable of standing on their own rather than seeking ready-made platforms during election cycles.
