Human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, has declared his determination to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, promising to address Nigeria’s electricity crisis and insecurity if elected.

The former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) said his ambition to lead the country remains alive, stressing that unlike many politicians who emerge only during election periods, he remains consistently engaged in socio-political advocacy.

In a chat with The Guardian at the weekend in Abuja, Sowore said fixing Nigeria’s power sector would be a central pillar of his administration, describing electricity as the backbone of economic transformation.

Sowore, who founded the online investigative platform Sahara Reporters, argued that reliable power supply would stimulate industrial growth, create jobs and help address the country’s security challenges.

“The whole idea of energy is what will bring about an industrial revolution in this country. If we get power right, we can tackle unemployment, boost GDP and address insecurity,” he said.

The activist-turned-politician also criticised the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, insisting that the policy direction of the current administration has yet to deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria needs a new generation of leadership with the vision, ideas and capacity to tackle the country’s deep-rooted challenges.

Sowore said his continued political engagement reflects his commitment to offering Nigerians an alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.

He contested the presidency on the AAC platform in the 2019 Nigerian general election and again in the 2023 Nigerian general election, campaigning on an agenda focused on anti-corruption, youth empowerment and institutional accountability.

Beyond electoral politics, Sowore has remained active in civic mobilisation and advocacy for democratic reforms, using public campaigns and social media to highlight governance issues.

Observers admit that his activism and media platform have helped shape national conversations around transparency, accountability and citizen participation in Nigeria’s democratic process. (The Guardian)