Omoyele Sowore has a challenge for Nigeria’s political class: stop borrowing political structures and build your own.
The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate criticised politicians who, he said, depend on political godfathers, wealthy financiers and established parties to pursue their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement posted on social media, Sowore questioned why politicians who claim to enjoy strong grassroots support frequently move from one political platform to another instead of creating movements capable of standing on their own.
‘If It’s Popular, Build It’
Sowore argued that political influence should not be measured by access to powerful individuals or existing party machinery.
For him, genuine political strength is demonstrated through organisation, grassroots mobilisation and the ability to sustain a movement beyond a single election cycle.
His message was straightforward: politicians who believe their ideas can win public support should prove it by building the structures needed to advance those ideas.
He challenged them to organise supporters, mobilise communities and establish durable political platforms rather than depending on structures created by others.
Sowore Defends AAC
Sowore also used the opportunity to defend the history of the AAC.
He said the party was developed through the contributions, sacrifice and commitment of its members, rather than being created around wealthy patrons or established political elites.
He criticised politicians whom he accused of encouraging supporters to leave platforms they helped build in favour of new alliances centred on individual political ambitions.
According to Sowore, anyone convinced of the strength of their political message should be prepared to build and maintain an independent structure capable of carrying that message.
His argument: political credibility should come from what politicians can build—not simply from who is willing to back them.
2027 Race Fuels Realignment
Sowore’s remarks come as Nigerian politicians and political groups increasingly explore new alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
As the political landscape begins to take shape, established parties, emerging movements and individual politicians are positioning themselves for the next electoral contest.
That environment is likely to intensify debates over political platforms, grassroots support and the influence of powerful backers.
For Sowore, however, the test is simpler: if politicians believe Nigerians genuinely support their ideas, they should build the movement themselves and let voters decide.