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.
