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The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is intimidated by his growing popularity among ordinary Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

Sowore made the remark on Thursday, July 16, while speaking to journalists outside the Federal High Court after proceedings in his ongoing trial over alleged cybercrime-related offences.

The activist is being prosecuted over allegations that he published false information about President Tinubu by describing him as a “criminal” in posts shared on his personal X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts. He has denied the allegations.

During the court session, the trial judge warned that the court could close the defence’s case if Sowore failed to proceed with presenting his defence.

Reacting to the development, Sowore alleged that the case against him was politically motivated and linked it to the approaching 2027 elections.

According to him, President Tinubu is worried about the level of support he enjoys among grassroots Nigerians despite not engaging in vote-buying or distributing gifts.

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

He stressed that his political movement does not rely on material inducements to attract supporters.

“But we are not paying a dime. We are not distributing bread. No soap, no rice, not even bitter kola, no TomTom, no kuli-kuli or akara,” he added.

Sowore further stated that Nigerians are increasingly identifying with his message and vision for the country.

“People are saying Sowore has come again. That’s what it’s all about. We are here to provide the leadership for this country that can make Nigeria work, including the judiciary,” he said.Demographics

The former presidential candidate maintained that his ambition is to provide leadership that would address challenges across all sectors, including strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.

The case has been adjourned as the court continues hearing the matter. Sowore has consistently maintained his innocence and insists that the charges against him are an attempt to silence his criticism of the current administration.

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The circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, have become clearer following a sworn statement by her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki.

Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she was among members of staff who travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for official duties under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to her affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, the staff members were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

She clarified that the building was designated for staff members and associates, not for the minister’s personal residence.

On the evening of June 26, Habila returned after having her hair done and stopped by Baaki’s room to show her the new hairstyle.

The two chatted and joked before Habila said she was tired and intended to take a shower before going to bed.

“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,” Baaki stated.

The following morning, Baaki became concerned when Habila did not come out as usual. Repeated phone calls went unanswered, prompting her to knock on Habila’s door. Finding it locked from the inside and receiving no response, she alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises.

When Habila could not be found elsewhere, other staff members were informed, and the room was forcibly opened. She was discovered lying unconscious on the floor near the door.

She was immediately taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.

In her affidavit, Baaki stated that her testimony was given voluntarily and without coercion, emphasizing that she was making the statement solely for official and investigative purposes.

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The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has declared that the late Mary Habila, whose death has generated widespread public attention, was not a registered physiotherapist, distancing the profession from claims that she belonged to its ranks.

The society made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Team after conducting what it described as a verification of Habila’s credentials through the relevant regulatory authorities.

According to the NSP, a search of the official register of licensed physiotherapists in Nigeria showed that the name “Mary Habila” does not appear on its database.

“Following verification through the appropriate regulatory channels, the name ‘Mary Habila,’ as stated, does not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists,” the statement read.

The clarification comes amid public discussions surrounding the death of Habila, who died on June 27, 2026, in Ebonyi State while serving in the office of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. She had been widely identified in several reports as a physiotherapist.

The professional body stressed that membership of regulated professions must be established through official records rather than assumptions or public descriptions.

It warned that public officials and other stakeholders have a responsibility to verify professional credentials before making public statements capable of misleading Nigerians.

“The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has consistently maintained that professional identity is not a matter of assumption or public perception; it is a matter of verifiable fact. Where questions arise, they should be resolved through the appropriate regulatory processes, not through speculation or unverified claims,” the society stated.

The NSP said its clarification was intended to protect the integrity of the physiotherapy profession and reinforce the importance of relying on official regulatory records when identifying professionals.

It added that the incident should serve as a reminder that qualifications and professional identities must always be accurately verified and represented.

Despite distancing itself from the claims about Habila’s professional status, the society expressed sympathy to her family over her death.

“Finally, while it is important to establish the facts, we must not lose sight of the human tragedy at the heart of this matter. We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased, and pray that her soul rests in perfect peace. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the statement added.